This year, two Cyril Jackson students, Jean Paul Niyonzima (Year 11) and Akuol Abut Deng (Year 12) participated in the 26th annual YMCA Western Australian Youth Parliament program. Youth Parliament is a program for young West Australians aged between 15-25 who are engaged in their community and want their voice to be heard. The program involves a range of activities including a week long residential camp which Jean Paul and Akuol attended during the July school holidays.
The program offers participants a chance to meet other like-minded young people, build leadership skills, develop public speaking skills and confidence, gain an understanding of issues affecting the community, and network with current members of parliament. Both Jean Paul and Akuol had a wonderful time in the program, and learned so much about themselves, how parliament and government works, the issues faced by people in their communities, and how to address some of these issues to make their community a better place in the future.
They are very grateful to the YMCA for selecting them for the program, and also to the Honourable Minister John Quigley MLA and Ms Jessica Shaw MLA for sponsoring their participation in this program.
Congratulations Jean Paul and Akuol!
