Athlone student wins prestigious youth leadership award

A secondary school student from Athlone, Aristide Selve, was one of just 20 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate at Europe House in Dublin recently.

Aristide, who is a fifth-year student at Coláiste Chiaráin Athlone, received his certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor, Michael Fleming, and Fearghas Ó Béara Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland.

The itinerary for the students’ trip included visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg.

This year The Rotary YL Winners’ Trip differed to other years with everybody meeting on the Monday for registration, welcome and lunch at the Stormont Hotel Belfast. An excellent session was had with parents and family joining before it was time for goodbyes.

The group then moved on to Stormont Buildings where Rotary had organised a Tour. The students met several politicians and also listened in on some debates from the visitors’ gallery.

On Tuesday, at the ‘Europa Experience’ visitor centre in Chatham Street, Dublin, they immersed themselves in all things EU related including a 360-degree cinema presentation.

The students heard some very interesting presentations on the EU and particularly the European Parliament’s role and powers, as well as about traineeships which are available with the EU institutions.

After being presented with their leadership certificates, the students embarked on tours of the Seanad and Dail where they met several Ministers, TDs and senators.

Early the next morning they flew out to Strasbourg where they visited the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoyed a private tour of the European Court of Human Rights.

On the penultimate day of their stay, they went to the European Parliament where they and students from all over Europe were welcomed by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.

The highlight for the students was taking part in Euroscola, a simulation of the work of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in a debate and vote on the EU’s actions to tackle disinformation.

Aristide has represented his fellow students on the Roscommon Student Council and is an IT Ambassador and librarian at his school. Music and dance are central to his life.

As well as playing the violin and piano, he performs with the Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra, he also trains in classical ballet and competes at top level in Irish dancing.

“Through the competition, I learned that leadership is built on reliability, empathy and consistent effort. Engaging with Rotary’s values reinforced my belief that helping others is one of the most powerful ways to lead.”

“The highlight of the week was undoubtedly standing within the European Parliament hemicycle and realising the scale of collective decision-making taking place there.”

For Aristide, one of the biggest issue facing students is technology and the speed of change.

“I believe one of the most pressing challenges for young people today is navigating the impact of rapid technology change from AI and automation to digital connectivity and privacy and security.”

He said he would absolutely recommend the competition to young people. “This competition offers a rare opportunity to engage with complex ideas, develop practical leadership skills, practice public speaking and connect with peers who are equally motivated. It’s an experience that challenges you to think critically, collaborate effectively and reflect on the role young people have in their communities and beyond.”

Michael Fleming, District Governor of Rotary Ireland praised the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the programme.

“I have to compliment Aristide and all of this year’s winners on three counts. Firstly, for the wide range of artistic, sporting and community-based activities they are involved in. Secondly for the level of knowledge, they displayed on a wide range of topics, including European affairs. And thirdly for the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week of this trip.”

“Aristide and the other students are a credit to themselves, their families, their schools and their communities. It was wonderful to watch this group work and socialise together, and we hope the bonds they formed this week will endure for a long time to come.”

“I would like to thank all the teachers and Rotarians who helped us along the way to plan and organise this trip and I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next year’s competition” Mr Fleming concluded.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland. For more information go to www.rotary.ie