My parliamentary experience was certainly one to remember. Before parliament, I had already been fascinated by politics but never thought I would get this opportunity.
Upon arrival, one could sense the seriousness and authority as we had to go through police scans and were briefed about everything.
We underwent a two-day induction where a lot of information was shared including how laws are made. Before, I thought it was just a decision made by the National Assembly but I learnt that it all starts with a motion that transforms into a bill, which, if agreed upon, is later reviewed by the National Council before being sent to the president to sign before it actually becomes a law.
Issues affecting our Namibian children were shared during the induction (matters like teenage pregnancy, school health, cyber threats, trafficking and the child care and protection act).
The most important part was the briefing on parliamentary practice and procedures. Seeing that we were soon to be honourable members of parliament, we had to know the procedures.
I realised the parliament is a much-respected building. You only speak when given the floor and you don’t call your colleagues by their names but rather always refer to them as ‘honourable’ and always maintain formality.
The children’s parliament amplifies the voice of the Namibian youth. The mere fact that we are the children’s parliament didn’t stop of us from discussing burning issues that affect every Namibian.
Each region was well represented by seven pupils, each from a different town. I believe this was done to hear about issues from all around the country as each member could vocalise it from a youth’s perspective.
On our //Kharas bus, we were divided into committees. I am in the standing committee for gender equality and social welfare and I am thrilled to be a part of it. We address so much of what is happening in our country including taboos around gender.
This committee aims to make our country one where no one is discriminated against or under-privileged due to gender. Social welfare is described as the well-being of an entire society so I take my committee in high regard as we discussed matters affecting the quality of the lives of our children and citizens.
At first I was a bit skeptical of what was expected of us but it was all made clear by former member of the fourth session of the children’s parliament, Cecilia Nangolo. According to her, committees are like mini parliaments that discuss issues about topics they’re addressed to.
Shandre Finnies, deputy speaker of the fourth session of the children’s parliament, explained the various titles/positions of parliament to us. Out of all descriptions, I matched two – either speaker or chairperson of my committee. I later discovered that a speaker only maintained order and listened to the issues being addressed but doesn’t take part in the debate. I was immediately drawn to running for chairperson as I am a debater and want to actively take part in the discussions.
I was chosen by my fellow committee members to be the chairperson. It really adjusted my character. I developed a lot of leadership skills as I had to listen, respond, keep order and direct the meeting. What’s ironic about my committee is that at first boys were dominant and girls rarely participated in discussions (yet we were the committee on gender equality), but as chairperson, I ensured inclusivity by giving them a chance to speak.
We also had a disabled honourable in our committee. She was shy to take part in the vibrant debates but she was given special time to comment on the matters at hand. We were assisted by the dynamic and vibrant Dylan Mukoroli and if I have to describe it, I would say that he taught us how to swim before throwing us in deep waters. He guided us on how to go about and construct motions, and basic parliamentary practices.
I am privileged to have shared a platform with great minds like Eddie Ndopu, professor Peter Katjivivi and Rachel Odede. It was surely a once-in-a-lifetime, eye-opening experience and I wish to relive it and one day become a politician!
Wayne Mckay is the chairperson of the children’s parliament standing committee of gender equality and social welfare and a Grade 11 pupil at Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School at Lüderitz.
