Euro ‘envoy’ gives talk to Hamilton Rotarians

Apr 3 2008

HAMILTON Rotary enjoyed a talk from sixth-year Holy Cross High pupil John Doyle at their recent meeting.

The club sponsored John to attend Rotary International’s Euroscola project. He visited the club to give an account of his experiences.

President Bernie Crozier explained the purpose of Euroscola. Its aim is to develop European understanding in young people and encourage participants to perform in a multi-lingual environment.

In his talk, John said that 31 pupils from different schools across Scotland were part of the party of 580 students from 23 different European countries who took part in the event. The Scottish contingent mixed well from the start and as a result John has made many new friends.

Throughout the weekend, the debating chamber of the European Parliament at Strasbourg was used and advantage taken of multi-lingual translations that were made available.

Contributors to the debate were not permitted to speak in their mother tongue.

John presented a short video showing him introducing the Scottish contingent to a capacity audience in the Parliament’s debating chamber.

He also highlighted Euroscola Day when the students participated in a multi-lingual debate.

During his excellent presentation John said he found the whole experience stimulating.

He learned a lot about the workings of the EU, made a lot of new friends, felt more European and was impressed with the city of Strasbourg.

John concluded by thanking the club for the unique opportunity offered to him.