Our Voice, Our Europe
Your Pupils on the EU stage
Dear Teachers of 4th to 6th classes,
Something big is happening, and your class is invited to be at the very heart of it.
From July to December 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. For six months, our small island helps steer decisions that shape life for over 450 million people. And for the whole Presidency, County Cork is officially twinned with France, celebrating the friendship between our two countries at the centre of Europe.
We want Cork’s primary school children to have a real voice in that story. We are inviting your class to take part in Our Voice, Our Europe, a landmark intergenerational EU citizenship event connecting all levels of education.
The Goal
To amplify and empower your pupils’ voices to shape their European Union in a meaningful exchange with Deputies, Senators, local councillors, academics, and teachers.
Absolutely no prior knowledge is required. > All pedagogical support is provided.
The Big Event
When: 30 November 2026 | 9.30 to 14.00
Where: Devere Hall, UCC
The Theme: “Imagine your dream European Union. What would it look like and what would it do?”
Why Take Part?
All support provided (No extra burden on you!)
UCC’s Dr Emmanuelle Schön-Quinlivan, together with secondary and third-level students, comes to your classroom to prepare pupils. A full scaffold of visits and workshops means the teacher directs, rather than carries.
A once-in-a-generation moment
Ireland holds the EU Presidency only every 13 ½ years. This is a live, national citizenship event that your pupils will remember for the rest of their lives. A French partner school will join live on screen, making it genuinely European in scope.
Your class sets the agenda—and policymakers take notes
Children present their own work to MEPs, Deputies, Senators, and academics who are there specifically to listen to them. Their ideas feed directly into a Citizens' Summary submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Win a Citizenship Day in Dublin
Five showcase schools compete for a fully-funded Citizenship Day in Dublin as 1st prize, with trophies for 2nd and 3rd places. Top posters and zines also compete for trophies and EU goodies. All pupils receive a certificate of achievement!
What Will Your Pupils Do?
Your class will be divided into 3 groups. Each group will present one of the following activities:
Live Performance
A short 3-minute live performance (play, song, poem, spoken word, or a mix with props/costumes if needed) – 12 to 15 pupils.
A1 Poster Display
An A1 poster bringing their EU wishes to life, displayed gallery-style – 5 groups of 2 pupils (10 in total).
Zine Creation
A small handmade magazine setting out their ideas for the European Union – 8 students working individually.
The Timeline
On registration
Your class is confirmed and assigned a topic area.
21/09 to 02/10
Emmanuelle together with Junior and Senior Advisers visit your classroom twice to introduce the EU Presidency in simple, age-appropriate terms and discuss pupils’ ideas.
Early October
Your class visits UCC to brainstorm ideas for their showcase, poster, or zine guided by Junior and Senior Advisers
12/10 to 20/11
Your class develops their chosen project in school. Emmanuelle and Advisers are available for support online. All posters submitted for printing by 18 November 2026.
23/11 to 27/11
Final run-through.
30 November 2026
Event day at Devere Hall, UCC. Your class performs, exhibits, and engages with policymakers, academics, and European partners.