Linda and Colette went to the Houses of Parliament this month to attend the Duolingo Awards on behalf of Home-Start Bedfordshire.
Duolingo is an App which teaches people different languages. Members of Parliament realised there was a distinct lack of members unable to speak a second language. Therefore, they were set a challenge of who could use the app to learn a second language. There were charitable donations on offer for the top three who committed to taking part. Our charity received an invitation from the local MP, Alex Mayer, to attend the presentation evening at the Houses of Parliament to receive a donation. Colette recalls the day –
Thankfully, Linda was able to take a guest; she offered it to me, and I jumped at the chance. I was very apprehensive and excited to be going, what an honour and privilege.
Linda had asked whether we were able to have a tour of Westminster, and they obliged. Arriving at Parliament at 5 pm (ensuring we could get through security in time), we met the Senior Parliamentary Researcher from the MP’s office in Westminster Hall. They gave us a tour and explained how Westminster was rebuilt after the fire in 1834. We got to see the Thames front with a view of the London Eye, where the MPs go to relax.
We managed to get to watch a debate in the House of Commons. However, we only stayed for 10 minutes as the MPS were going to vote, hence there wouldn’t be anything to see. Having been told the House of Lords was debating that night too, we headed off to the public gallery to watch, which was very interesting as it was on the new Employment Rights Bill. We were then guided through Westminster to where the presentation was taking place. Again, we got to see areas the general public does not normally get to see. Our guide remarked that they forget what an amazing place it is to work, as they take it for granted. However, the fact that you can walk out of the Houses of Parliament straight into Westminster tube station still blows their mind!
Alex Mayer MP came third in the Westminster Language Challenge and was given £2500 to donate to a charity of her choice. Thank you to Alex and Duolingo for supporting our charity’s services for local families with young children. It was an amazing experience and one which will stay with me for a long time.