Radius Ballymena Schools PB Initiative Continues to Empower Young Voices
The success of Ballymena’s pioneering Schools Participatory Budgeting (PB) Programme continues, with pupils across participating schools casting their votes last week on a wide range of projects designed to improve school life.
The latest voting phase follows the programme’s recent success at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) All-Ireland Housing Awards, where the Ballymena Schools Participatory Budgeting Programme was named winner of the Community Champions Award. The accolade recognised the initiative’s innovative approach to giving young people a real voice in decision-making and shaping the communities around them.
Continuing apace the programme brings together Radius Housing, Hare’s Corner Co-operative and local schools to place funding decisions directly in the hands of pupils. Students have worked together to develop project ideas before their classmates voted on which proposals they believe should receive funding.
Over the summer months, votes from across the schools in Ballymena will be counted, with the winning projects set to be announced when pupils return in September. Successful projects will then move forward, delivering improvements chosen by the young people themselves.
Beyond the projects, the initiative provides an important opportunity for pupils to learn about voting, democracy and active citizenship in a practical and engaging way. By taking part in every stage of the process, from developing ideas to casting ballots, students gain first-hand experience of democratic decision-making and see how their voices can help shape the future of their school communities.
The continued growth of the programme highlights the value of giving young people genuine influence over decisions that affect them, while helping to build confidence, leadership skills and a stronger understanding of democratic participation.
Following its award-winning recognition at the CIH All-Ireland Housing Awards, the Ballymena Schools Participatory Budgeting Programme is continuing to demonstrate how empowering young people can make a real and lasting difference in schools and communities alike.