While most NSW students will take the opportunity to relax this school holidays, 80 young people from around the State will converge on Sydney to take part in the 2016 YMCA NSW Junior Parliament, where they will work together and debate hot button issues like climate, transport and mental health policy.
Now in its 4th year, the program, run by YMCA NSW, brings together students in Years 7 to 9 who are passionate about leadership and advocacy for a range of activities including two ‘sitting’ days in the chambers at State Parliament House on September 28 and 29.
This year for the first time, participants will also go out into the community on Tuesday, September 27 for the day to meet with people and learn more about their experiences and concerns – for example, students in the Multicultural Committee will go to the Don Bosco Youth Centre in St Marys to meet with members of the Sudanese community, while the students in the Transport Committee will head to Blacktown Community Transport Depot to see and understand the workings of community transport.
At the end of the sitting week, all ideas discussed in the chamber at Junior Parliament will be presented to NSW MPs for consideration as policy and legislation.
YMCA NSW CEO Leisa Hart said the program continues to break new ground every year.
“By simply giving our young people a platform to be heard, we open up so many opportunities to improve and strengthen our communities through their ideas,” Ms Hart said. “I am incredibly proud that the YMCA NSW Junior Parliament program gives young people a strong voice and look forward to seeing what this year’s talented Parliamentarians can achieve.”
Keep an eye out in the years to come for these future leaders!
YMCA NSW Junior Parliament runs from Sunday 25 September-Friday 30 September.
For more information on YMCA NSW Junior Parliament and other YMCA programs, visit www.ymcansw.org.au
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