Politicians Impact

Learners at St Alban's Catholic School and Cllr Owen Jones

St Albans Catholic Primary. (2023) Photo of DDW session, 8 December 2023.

Increased awareness of young peoples' perspectives

The programme successfully increased politicians’ understanding of young people’s concerns and priorities, with 100% of politicians reporting a deeper understanding as a result of the programme. This enhanced understanding better equipped politicians to represent the needs of young people within their constituencies.

“Taking part in this programme has strengthened my connection with young people and schools in my constituency. It has provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from learners about the issues that matter most to them, helping to inform my work as a Member of the Senedd. The sessions have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their concerns and priorities, reinforcing the importance of involving young people in political conversations from an early age.”

James Evans MS, Conservatives

“It has allowed me to engage with schools in my region of mid and west Wales in Welsh and English and to hear the views of young people on key issues such as education, health, the environment, independence etc.. We sometimes have votes on issues in the sessions which engage all the children in the class.”

Jane Dodds MS, Liberal Democrats

Building better relationships with young people

The programme was effective in helping politicians initiate and build relationships with their young constituents, who are often ‘least likely to contact [politicians] of their own accord’, says Ben Lake MP. The programme received a 'good' or 'very good' rating as a relationship-building tool from 100% of participating politicians, with 90% rating it ‘very good’.

95% of politicians reported that learners had gained a significant or considerable understanding of their role through participating in the programme.

Learners at Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed in conversation with MS Jayne Bryant

“I’ve really valued the sessions they’ve invited me to be a part of, because it’s allowed me to build connections with children and young people and to have an insight into how they see the world”.

Delyth Jewell MS, Plaid Cymru

To what extent is the Digital Dialogue: Wales programme a good tool to build relationships with young people (%)

“The learners received a lesson on the role of Parliament, and their engagement during my question and answer session clearly showed the knowledge they gained. I was especially pleased by the number of girls who actively participated and showed enthusiasm during the session.”

Jo Stevens MP, Labour

To what extent do you feel that young people you worked with on this programme understood your role? (%)

Find a full list of testimonials from participating politicians

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Impact on teachers

Learn how Digital Dialogue: Wales strengthened teachers’ skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver democratic education — even for those without a background in politics.

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Embedding Democratic Education

Explore how schools across Wales are embedding Digital Dialogue: Wales into the curriculum — supporting long-term, whole-school approaches to democratic education.