The Government has launched a programme aimed at teaching young people about politics and promoting participation in the political system.
The Democracy Ambassador’s scheme has been launched to tackle an imbalance in democratic engagement between the UK’s older and younger generations.
Research from Hansard Society Audit of Political Engagement suggests that 18 to 34 year olds are much less likely to feel confident in their knowledge of politics than those who are 35 and above.
Only 39% of 18-24 year olds and 35% of 25-34 year olds claim to know at least a ‘fair amount’ on the subject.
The new scheme will see 1,000 13-16 year olds recruited across the UK to inform their peers about the UK’s democratic processes and promote participation.
The scheme, which has been launched during National Democracy Week, will be delivered in partnership with Young Citizens.
‘National Democracy Week is about inspiring, empowering and engaging people in democracy,’ said the minister for the constitution, Chloe Smith.
‘School students in particular have told me they want the information and skills to be able to cast their votes when they become adults.
‘The Democracy Ambassadors scheme has been designed for this age-group as they head towards voting age, to build a legacy of engaged future citizens.’
