New Technology Brings Assembly to Schools - Burnham

1.29.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Oct 2006

Eleanor Burnham AM today met school pupils via an innovative video link conference to talk to them about what really goes on at the Welsh National Assembly.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for North Wales, answered questions about her role in the Assembly from a class of 10 and 11 year old primary school children from Rector Drew primary school in Hawarden, Flintshire.

The pupils debated Ms Burnham's dual roles as the Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Sport and a North Wales AM, asking her questions about her own experiences of school sport, her favourite aspects of her work and even tough matters of school funding in their local area.

After the session, Ms Burnham said: "It's just fantastic to be able to talk to children from my own constituency down here in Cardiff. I really think that there should be more of these video link sessions to really engage young people in politics on a personal level.

"What is really important is that school children know from an early age that this is their Assembly, and that we members work for them.

"I had a great time discussing what I do with the pupils. If they can go home with an idea of why we are down here in Cardiff I believe we really can bridge both the divides between young people and politics and our work in North and South Wales.

"They asked some really a tough question about funding for schools in Flintshire, which I think goes to show that children can be genuinely interested in the workings of government.

"It really was a pleasure to talk to them, and fun too. And for the record I can clarify my favourite sports are cycling and swimming!"

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