Carlow College is proud to celebrate the achievements of 4th Year student, Anna McWey, who was selected to represent County Laois on the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). This prestigious appointment highlights Anna’s dedication to youth advocacy and civic engagement at a national level.
About to start her final year of the BA (Hons) in Social, Political & Community Studies at Carlow College, Anna has long expressed her hope to become a politician. Through her involvement of the NYCI, Anna recently met with Laois TD Brian Stanley to call for greater investment in youth services and emphasised the need for sustainable funding and support structures that enable for youth voices to be heard and acted upon.
“Effective democracy only works when everyone has the opportunity to participate and be heard. There is so much potential for areas around Ireland to grow and develop. By investing in youth work, young people develop connections within their community and surrounding areas. Youth work is that opportunity outside of everyday norms. It has got me where I am today. Invest in youth today and reap the rewards of re-energised communities”, said Anna.
Through the NYCI, which represents youth organisations nationwide, Anna is at the heart of national policy discussions, where she will contribute to shaping initiatives that impact young people across Ireland.
Speaking of her studies with Carlow College, Anna commented “as a full-time student, my course offers great flexibility which allows me to pursue these opportunities. When I am asked what I am studying, I usually say politics on a community level, but it is so much more than that. I enjoy the wide variety of modules from Legal Studies to Community Psychology because they provide me with a well-rounded approach to the work I do with various youth services.”
Anna has taken advantage of any opportunity during her studies to sharpen her skills in civic engagement and advocacy, noting “my favourite thing about my course is the balance between practice and theory. The College has provided opportunities like facilitating the Foróige Leadership for Life programme or participating in a Career Guidance webinar. Being part of a smaller college community means supports are easier to access and the student experience is an central part of how the College operates.”
Find out more about studying Politics & Society as part of the BA (Hons) in Arts & Humanities here
