The European Youth Parliament (EYP), a non-profit educational organisation that brings together young people from across Europe to debate current political and social issues, has been part of our school community for many years. The EYP organises conferences and sessions that simulate the work of European institutions, in which participants research real-world problems, debate them in international teams, and advocate for the solutions they propose. Our ESA students, usually in Year 12, have taken part in these sessions and events, which until now were typically held outside Asturias due to the absence of other participating schools in the region.
In 2023, some of our students were selected to attend the national session held in Marbella. That experience left a significant impact. Three of those participants — our alumni Carlota Fernández, Carlota Piney, and Jaime Fernández-Trabadelo — decided a year ago that it was time for the European Youth Parliament to have a presence in Asturias as well. After months of organisation, effort, and coordination, that goal has become a reality.
On 27 February, students from several schools across Asturias, including nine representatives from ESA, took part in the first regional session. The first two days were dedicated to what is known as committee work, during which participants get to know their team members and begin working on the topic they will later analyse and defend. These sessions were hosted at ESA, which opened its doors to allow students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and make progress in developing their proposals.
On Sunday, 1 March, the committees gathered at the Palacio de Congresos in Oviedo for the final phase of the event: the debate of the proposals prepared by each team. The students defended their ideas with enthusiasm, critical thinking, and a remarkable ability to engage in dialogue.
The event also benefited from the collaboration of several Year 13 students — Pablo Silván, Edward Franklin, Allende Riera, and Laia Riesgo — who contributed to the smooth running of the day. The event was a resounding success, and we are already looking forward with excitement to the next edition, scheduled for 2027.
At ESA, we feel immensely proud of the work carried out by our Year 12 and Year 13 students, as well as our alumni, whose commitment and enthusiasm have made it possible for this initiative to take place in our region for the very first time.
