b'Debate without borders: Model UN DebateFor the Model UN Debate on EnrichmentquestionShould Africa pay back theirme develop important skills such as public Day, I was one of the representatives ofdebts? As a result, each group came upspeaking and collaboration. The experience the Democratic Republic of the Congowith their own ideas, debating on whatnot only sharpened my skills but also (DRC), which was a challenging andshould happen, depending on their countrydeepened my understanding of the various rewarding experience. Global concernsand their perspective. For example, asproblems many countries face and really like international peacekeeping, humanthe DRC, we decided that we should nothelped me understand what it is like to be rights and sustainable development werepay back the debts as the continent ofa strong advocate and critical thinker!the focus of the debate. My responsibilityAfrica, as a whole, would become evenMuhammad Amaan Uddin, Year 9as one of the DRC representatives was topoorer. However, on the other side of draw attention to the countrys particularthe argument, European countries such problems, such as the effects of debt, theas Germany argued that African nations exploitation of natural resources, and theshould repay their debts since it would significance of international collaboration inmaintain global financial stability.promoting stability and development. In conclusion, representing the Democratic At the start of the day, we were placed inRepublic of Congo in the Model UN Debate groups of five and each group was givenwas a very fun and interesting experience a country, either a high-income countrythat allowed me to voice the challenges or a low-income country. We were alland struggles of a nation rich in resources tasked to devise answers to the overallbut burdened by difficult issues. It helpedI actually really Shaping tomorrow enjoyed the European Youth Parliament, it was way more engaging than I expected. It really pushed me to think critically and debate ideas on the spot, which Year 12s take their places in thewas challenging but fun. Hearing different perspectives made it a great European Youth Parliament experience, and Id definitely love to do more of these.On Monday 10th February, Mr Harvey and I accompanied our Year 12 European Youth Sahra Mahamed Parliament (EYP) debate team to the University of Birmingham to debate sociopolitical issues with local schools. After weeks of intensive research and debate practice, the team engaged in lively debates ranging from gender equality to the economy and how they would improve these problems. The students had a great day as they got to meet students from other schools who were just as passionate as they were whilst competing to get their committee passed by the jury.I truly enjoyed andDespite not passing through to the national competition, our team have learned valuable skillsvalued my time atsuch as researching and public speaking, both of which will benefit them for years to come. European Youth Parliament; Our students had a great time there and found it really enriching: it was very informative, making me see differentviewpoints of certain topicsand helping to further my It was anIt was anunderstanding of them.extremely informativeOverall it was a greatThe European Youthenriching and enjoyableexperience that allowedexperience.Parliament was an amazingexperience that allowed me opportunity to collaborate withto improve my knowledgeme to partake in mockMalaika Shainother members from differentof European politics whiledebates that would similarly schools to share our views onaiding my public speakingoccur in European topics that affect the world and ourabilities. Politics.generation. Im glad I went andChetan Dhami Harveer Athwal Mr Wonghope to be involved more!Daniyal MehmoodI am truly grateful that I got the opportunity to take part in EYP; I am so intrigued by politics and the intricacies of certain motions thatwere mentioned. The wholeexperience really taught me a lot.I am so glad I went!Princess Okereke 41'