Youth parliamentarians benefit from course in public speaking

DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 13, 2018

Youth Parliamentarians were exposed to the ‘Art of Public Speaking’ facilitated by the Cacique Toastmasters Club, during day four of the 4th annual Youth Parliament today.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to three of the five mentors who are preparing the students for the August 15 and 16 sessions. Dominic Clerk, who was Prime Minister during the second Youth Parliament in 2016, explained that the students were exposed to techniques they can use during the deliberations, and in the future, depending on their career path.

Ruth Wilson, Youth Shadow Minister of Natural Resources during the third annual Youth parliament in 2017, said: “I think they did well because after the presentation they asked the children a few impromptu questions and so they had to elaborate on the topic or questions.”

Youth Parliament provides an active learning platform where students not only learn to speak on social issues but are also exposed to other non-academic areas. Shawn Shewram Youth Shadow Minister of Public Infrastructure during the second Youth Parliament in 2016, explained the tour provides a supplemental education to the students where they will learn about the logistics of Parliament.

Mya Kendall, Youth Shadow Minister of Natural Resources said that the public speaking session was motivating; it will help her to channel her nervous energy and walk proudly since she gets nervous during public speaking.

Kendall of the Bishops High School is one 72 youths from secondary schools across the ten administrative regions and from the University of Guyana (UG) participating in the event.

Asaad Abdool, Youth Minister of Public Security said that he is not a good public speaker, but he was able to grasp some techniques that he will use during his presentation. Abdool is a student of the Rosignol Secondary School, Region Five.

Youth Minister of Business and Student of the Port Kaituma Secondary School, Region One, Kezia Albert explained that she is grateful for the experiences she is gaining. “I didn’t really know about the Parliament. Now that I know and I differentiate the difference between the National Assembly and Parliament, I can now go back to my school and educate my peers.”

The annual event is being held from August 10 to 18 under the theme “Our Generation, Our Voice: Inspire, Encourage, Impact.”

By: Synieka Thorne

Image: Eleesha Sanasie and Alasadhal McAlmont

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