Young “pollies” from the Light Electorate are set to descend on Parliament House as part of the YMCA 2017 Youth Parliament.

The nine students from secondary schools across the local electorate are part of the “Enlightened” team, sponsored by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, participating schools and local Councils.

Mr Piccolo said he was a firm believer in the philosophy that it takes a community to educate a child so he wrote to the mayors of Gawler, Light Regional and the City of Playford asking if they would be prepared to co-sponsor a “combined” Light electorate team to participate in the Youth parliament.

“I am pleased that the mayors have all agreed to chip in to support these young people,” Mr Piccolo said. Light Regional Council’s Mayor O’Brien said he believes this opportunity for young people within our communities to learn about and take part in a Youth Parliament is an excellent initiative and provides a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about all forms of Government.

Mayor O’Brien commended Mr Piccolo for providing this opportunity and personally supporting this initiative and he looks forward to following their progress with considerable interest. Secondary schools in the electorate or those who have a substantial number of students living in Light were invited to nominate students. Mr Piccolo said six local schools nominated students and agreed to financially support the project.

“The YMCA SA Youth Parliament is a nonpartisan program that seeks to empower young people to be advocates for their community,” Mr. Piccolo said. “The program is focused on personal development, youth leadership and connecting parliamentarians and Decision makers with youth voices and opinions.”

“Every year, young leaders come together to learn about public speaking, parliamentary procedure, bill development and advocacy.”

The team will spend the weekend of the 6th/7th May training for the Youth Parliament week to be held from the 9th to 14th July.

Youth Parliament Decisions are referred to the State Government for their consideration.

“I look forward to working with the “Enlightened” team and supporting them through the process,” he said.

More information about the Youth Parliament can be obtained online at http://www.sa.ymca.org.au/our-services/youth-parliament/