Eight students from Years 11 and 12 took their first steps in the prestigious European Youth Parliament debating competition at a gruelling regional round held at St Paul’s School.
After weeks of preparation, Year 12’s Lana, Naomi, Felix T, Kirabo, Chisom and Felix P, and Year 11’s Natalie and Michaela took part in the highly competitive tournament, discussing and debating a range of political motions.
Assigned the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, Kirabo and Lana impressed with their collaborative opening speech on the increased risk of violence (as both victims and perpetrators) experienced by young people, while Chisom and Naomi raised astute points during the general debate. As opposition team for the motion on the legacy of colonialism, Felix T and Felix P (made important counterpoints on the nature of challenging the EU’s colonial legacy, with further effective comments by Michaela during the general debate. Meanwhile Natalie offered thoughtful critical comment in the open round of debate on mental health and gender-based violence with regard to toxic masculinity and its impact on men.
The European Youth Parliament is a politically unaffiliated non-profit organisation that promotes active engagement in citizenship and cultural and political understanding in young people.
Debating Co-ordinator Miranda Solley said: “The Regional Forum debating competition is a tough competition against many of the UK’s highest performing schools. This was our first entry at this high-level competition and all of our students gave extremely impressive performances, putting forward erudite arguments with poise and confidence. The Colfe’s team held their own against seven schools, and although we were not one of the three schools through to the national finals, we are already looking forward to attending again next year.”
