A pioneering initiative is set to teach children as young as two about the value of democracy, honouring the legacy of the late Conservative MP Sir David Amess. The pilot project, launched in memory of Sir David, aims to instil foundational principles such as fairness, leadership, and responsibility through age-appropriate methods including play, storytelling, and voting exercises. Four schools—two state and two private—are participating initially, with hopes for broader expansion.

Leading the scheme is Amanda Frolich, a children’s entertainer known as "Action Amanda," who told The Telegraph that if democracy is to thrive, children must learn early that their voices matter. "A three-year-old can understand fairness and belonging — and those seeds grow into responsible citizens for life," she said. Ms Frolich’s credentials include working with high-profile families, underscoring the project’s blend of educational rigour and engaging delivery.

This early years project complements the Sir David Amess UK Children’s Parliament, which has already engaged more than 5,000 primary school children aged seven to eleven via livestreamed debates with MPs. The children’s parliament, launched after Sir David was tragically killed in 2021, provides a platform for young people to discuss critical issues such as climate change, online safety, and sustainability. By modelling its structure on the UK Parliament, the initiative fosters civic engagement and critical thinking from a young age.

Sir David was a passionate advocate for embedding democratic education early on. Craig Jones, chairman of the School Aged Childcare Association and supporter of the children’s parliament, told The Telegraph that Sir David’s legacy is “about participation, kindness, and respect for institutions,” which begins in childhood.

The pilot schools involved are Chantler’s Primary School in Bury, Manchester, Edward Beetham CofE Primary School in Greenford, Surrey, along with private institutions Saint Pierre School in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, and Heathcote Preparatory School and Nursery in Danbury, Essex. Organisers hope the project will expand rapidly, possibly enabling some of the students to visit Parliament to debate their ideas firsthand.

Sir David’s daughter, Katie Amess, has taken an active role in championing the children’s parliament, meeting with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and committing to advancing education on democracy and parliamentary processes. Her involvement highlights the personal and national significance of the initiative, ensuring the continued promotion of active citizenship among young people.

Government figures and political advocates have also thrown their support behind the project. In early 2022, David Davis MP met with Boris Johnson to push for the expansion of the children’s parliament, underscoring a broader governmental aim to increase young people’s engagement in politics.

Earlier events linked to the children’s parliament have engaged hundreds of young people across the UK in dialogue about pressing global concerns, including a notable session before the COP26 climate summit. These discussions not only give a voice to children on issues that affect their futures but also deepen their understanding of democratic participation.

The children’s parliament has also introduced topics such as "How Do I Make The World A Safer Place?" to encourage young citizens to think critically about their role in society. These initiatives collectively represent a growing movement to embed democratic values and active participation from a very young age, building on Sir David Amess’s vision of a more inclusive and engaged future generation.

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Source: Noah Wire Services