In South Africa, when black people were finally given the right to vote, they queued for days to participate in a democratic process they had been segregated from for hundreds of years. Where is this sense of urgency in countries that have that freedom, and should therefore stand as an example of the success of democracy?
For young Kiwis to understand that their opinion is relevant and can be very powerful, schools throughout New Zealand need to simulate the democratic process as a vital learning activity.
Waipipi Primary School, a small country school south of Auckland, allows students in every class to vote for a class leader. Candidates give a speech and propose what they would do for their classroom and the school should they be elected and a vote is cast by all students. The elected leaders meet the principal every week to organise school events and put forward the views of the class they are representing.
This process was incredibly successful because the students were given a sufficient amount of freedom while learning about the importance of democracy and the responsibilities of those in positions of power.
If it was extended to all primary schools, the level of participation from children in school activities would increase because they would understand the importance of their opinion in an environment where individuality is encouraged.
If all primary schools used this activity, entire communities of class leaders could come together at regional youth democracy days. Local MPs could participate and take part in fun activities with the children, developing a positive relationship with democracy and politics from a young and impressionable age.
To address ignorance in the democratic process we need to ensure access to knowledge about politics is available to every young Kiwi.
Throughout my education, my schools have never been addressed by or received visits from MPs. Who can blame secondary students for not knowing where political parties stand when MPs have not directly addressed them or made them feel relevant? Secondary students are at the age where they are exploring moral beliefs and perhaps at their most argumentative. MPs should encourage this eagerness for debate by visiting schools and engaging with future voters.
Although I understand that the Youth Parliament is successful in allowing a select few representatives to be involved in government decisions, it is clear that such privileges are only available to those of a high academic calibre and do not extend to the masses.
Every student needs to be made aware of political situations here and around the world. At high school, in particular, exposure to national and international news is absolutely crucial to broadening youths' understanding. Teachers need to assist students to read and understand news reports and conduct in-class discussions about the influence of politics in international and national affairs.
New Zealand is far away from many countries faced with dire situations, the oppression from Boko Haram in Nigeria for example, and exposing teenagers to the shocking inequality that takes place around the world will make them respect and treasure the privileges they have.
The only way to make New Zealand youths aware of the power of their vote is to teach them about and expose them to democracy from a young age. It is vital that MPs connect to young Kiwis and become involved in events run by schools and communities.
New Zealand is a country with an impeccable amount of pride and spirit, especially among the young, and the key is to harness this energy and give young Kiwis every opportunity possible to have a voice.
Louise McNally is a 16-year-old student of ACG Strathallan College in Karaka. This is an abridged version of her winning entry in the triennial essay competition run by the Former MPs Association.
