Labour MP Rajen Prasad is running an essay competition for youth interested in participating in this year’s Youth Parliament.
Held every parliamentary term, Youth Parliament gives 121 young people aged between 16 and 18 the opportunity to understand how Parliament works, debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask oral questions of cabinet ministers. This year Youth Parliament will be held on 16 and 17 July.
Youth Parliamentarians are chosen by their electorate or list MP and given the opportunity to learn about New Zealand’s democracy and public decision making.
Dr Prasad, who is Labour spokesperson for Ethnic Affairs and associate spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, is asking any youth interested in representing him to write a 500 word essay on why he or she should occupy his seat as an MP in our Parliament.
“I am looking to give the successful candidate not only the opportunity to participate in Youth Parliament but to act as a youth MP throughout the year with mentoring and support from me.
The ideal person should be someone interested in politics who can bring the voice of young people and their hopes and concerns from his or her community to parliament.
According to Shail Kaushal, who represented Dr Prasad in 2010, the experience provided him with many opportunities to network with likeminded peers of his age and the community.
He said being an ethnic Youth MP was very unique and although he was nervous and anxious at the start, the valuable training he received from Dr Prasad had instilled confidence in him and allowed him to grow into the role.
“It was in a way - my first entry into the world of Politics. I would highly advise and recommend our youth to ‘give this a go’ and take the opportunity to run the country for 2 days, as the experience gained from this event is worthwhile and is cherished for years to come,” Mr Kaushal said.
The essay along with a copy of your CV should be sent to Bharat Jamnadas, Issues Assistant, Office of Dr Rajen Prasad, 503a, Mt Albert Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1042 or by email to bharat.jamnadas@parliament.govt.nz.
The final date of receiving the application is Monday 18 March 2013