Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/993482
OPINION maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 13 JUNE 2018 8 PREPARATIONS for this year's edition of the National Youth Parliament have been underway for the past six months. The deadline is in a couple of days. By the end of summer the par- liamentary session, which may include you, will be over. You might be wondering, at this point, what going there is all about. It is precisely about the National Youth Parliament, one of the biggest annual events held by the National Youth Council, year after year. The NYP, as we like to call it, offers a unique opportunity to youth aged between 13 to 35, to participate in a mock parlia- mentary session. But it is not just that. Here's a list of the things you can get out of the NYP by participating and why, after reading this article, you really should. 1. It's about developing ideas on what you are passionate about Each year, we set six topics as we divide the sessions into two, for those aged 13-18 and those who are 19 and over. That means three topics per session. You get to choose one of the topics, and then you form a 'party'. 2. Drafting motions Once your party is formed you start meeting with your party members. As a council we help you get to know your new fellow colleagues by organising activi- ties such as the live-in, which is packed with ice-breaking and team building activities. 3. Don't worry, we're not leaving you alone If you are terrified of public speaking, you need not worry. As part of the run-up activities to the main events we offer pub- lic speaking sessions to our par- ticipants. We also have sessions on motion writing, a session on how the parliament works and a visit to parliament! 4. On the day On 12th September you have your parliamentary session. You will be required to walk formal wear and you'll get your visi- tor's tag. We will then go to the chamber where the speaker or deputy speaker will be waiting for us. Then you'll get to debate your motions with the other par- ties. Once this is done, a vote is taken, ammendments are passed or rejected, and, voilà, it's almost over. Oh and one thing, the whole sessions are live streamed on Parliament TV! 5. We're there The closing event of the yearly NYP consists of three separate events in which we go to the President of Malta and the leaders of the two main politi- cal parties. During these three events you get to present your resolutions to them and hand over a copy. If you are aged between 13 and 18 then you have a choice from the following; Media and Journalism, A Planning Strategy for the Maltese Islands, and Vote 16: Civic Education. Meanwhile, if you are 19 and older (up to 35!) then you can choose be- tween Mental Health in Malta, a Reform in the law regulating prostitution and Marijuana Le- galisation. As you have probably understood by now, they are all relevant topics and currently on the national agenda. The deadline is 20 June. So, if you are a youth who feels particularly strongly against or for, or would like to try something new, we encourage you to get in touch by visiting our Facebook page or website and apply. If you still have any questions or doubts; just email me on national@knz.org.mt Jasmine Farrugia is National Officer of the National Youth Council The National Youth Council (KNZ) and its member organi- sations have been invited to submit opinion articles on topics affecting youths today. The contents of the article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Council NYP: Why you should apply Jasmine Farrugia Meanwhile, if you are 19 and older (up to 35!) you can choose between Mental Health in Malta, a Reform in the law regulating prostitution and Marijuana Legalisation