European Parliament Ambassador Schools (EPAS) Programme Implementation
The European Parliament Ambassador Schools (EPAS) programme is a free, voluntary initiative designed to foster a deeper understanding of European democracy. Open to schools across the United Kingdom and all European Union (EU) member states, the programme empowers educational institutions to engage directly with the political frameworks and values of Europe.
Schools that volunteer for the programme are officially designated by the European Parliament as Ambassador Schools. This designation allows them to appoint specific students and teachers to lead the initiative, creating a structured mentorship environment within the school community.
Key Facts
- Eligibility: Open to schools in the UK and all EU member states.
- Cost: The programme is free and entirely voluntary.
- Roles: Includes Junior Ambassadors (students) and Senior Ambassadors (teachers).
- Core Goal: To promote Europe and the objectives of the EPAS programme through local activities.
- Annual Event: The #EPAStogether event facilitates international networking.
Roles and Responsibilities
The programme operates through a tiered system of ambassadors to ensure students receive proper guidance while taking leadership roles.
Junior Ambassadors
Students designated as Junior Ambassadors serve as the face of the European Parliament within their schools and local communities. They are responsible for organizing events and activities that bring European politics to a grassroots level.
Senior Ambassadors
Teachers appointed as Senior Ambassadors provide the necessary academic and organizational support. They mentor Junior Ambassadors, teaching them about European parliamentary democracy and helping them coordinate events. To ensure high-quality delivery, Senior Ambassadors receive specialized training on European politics.
Programme Activities and Themes
Throughout the academic year, Ambassador Schools implement a variety of activities designed to engage the student body and the wider community.
Junior Ambassadors lead initiatives such as workshops, debates, and meetings with members of the European Parliament. These activities typically center on key themes, including:
- International and European democracy
- European values
- Multilingualism (the use of multiple languages)
- European integration (the process of political and economic unification)
Beyond local events, the programme encourages international cooperation. Schools may collaborate with other Ambassador Schools across Europe, and students may participate in international exchange programmes between the UK and EU member states.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Participation | Voluntary and free for UK and EU schools |
| Student Role | Junior Ambassador (Organizes activities) |
| Teacher Role | Senior Ambassador (Mentors and trains) |
| Key Activities | Debates, workshops, and student exchanges |
| Annual Networking | #EPAStogether international event |
Accreditation and Networking
The European Parliament maintains the quality of the programme through an annual review process. At the end of each academic year, the Parliament evaluates the work performed by the schools and their ambassadors. Schools that successfully implement the programme retain their official designation, and the participating Senior and Junior Ambassadors are granted official accreditation for their work.
To strengthen ties between participants, the European Parliament hosts #EPAStogether. This international two-day event brings together Junior and Senior Ambassadors from various European countries to network and share experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the EPAS programme?
The programme is open to any school in the United Kingdom or any EU member state that volunteers to participate.
What is the difference between a Junior and Senior Ambassador?
Junior Ambassadors are students who organize activities and represent the European Parliament locally, while Senior Ambassadors are teachers who mentor the students and receive training in European politics.
What topics do the school activities focus on?
Activities focus on themes such as European integration, multilingualism, European values, and international and European democracy.
How is the success of a school measured?
The European Parliament reviews the work of the schools and ambassadors at the end of each academic year to determine if they retain their designation and receive official accreditation.
What is #EPAStogether?
It is an annual international two-day event organized by the European Parliament to enable networking between Junior and Senior Ambassadors from different countries across Europe.