Three University of Limerick (UL) students have emerged victorious in a national competition, earning the opportunity to present their winning policy to members of the European Parliament in Brussels this week.
The competition, which invited individuals aged 13 to 30 to submit proposals aligned with the European Youth Goals, tasked entrants with addressing key issues and proposing transformative solutions to bridge the gap between the EU and its young citizens.
Naomi Ohenhen (MSc Work and Organisational Psychology), Busayo Atijohn (MA Business Management), and Feruza Rameto (Biological and Chemical Sciences) clinched the top spot in the competition with their visionary proposal ‘Re-building the Future we Desire’, aimed at fostering a stronger relationship between the European Union and its youth population. Their entry not only impressed the judges but also garnered significant support from the public, receiving a remarkable 173 votes on social media.
Speaking about their motivation behind the project, Masters in Work and Organisational Psychology student, Naomi explained: "We just want to build a Europe that we desire. There's so much potential in the EU and the youth, we are the future of the EU currently and we need more people who are our age or look like us in those rooms."
The winning proposal focused on connecting the EU with its youth, a pivotal goal in the EU's agenda. By drawing from personal experiences, consultations, and the preferences of young people, Naomi, Busayo, and Feruza crafted a compelling strategy to engage and empower the next generation of Europeans.
Their winning ideas included the establishment of a dedicated EU youth-led social media team, creating community and recreational centers in rural areas, and introducing eco-efficient bikes in rural towns.
Professor Deirdre O’Shea from UL’s Kemmy Business School commended the students for their remarkable accomplishment: “As an educator, witnessing our students taking this opportunity to contribute to important EU policy discussions fills me with immense pride. Their dedication, innovative prowess, and commitment to shaping the future of Europe are truly commendable. Congratulations to Naomi, Busayo, and Feruza for their outstanding achievement.”