Belize Prepares for Children’s Parliament

Thirty-six children have been preparing to participate in a Children’s Parliament to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Children next month. The event is to have children demonstrate two key rights, to share their opinions and to take part in matters relating to them.  The Children’s Parliament will be held on November twentieth in the House of Representatives. The children will debate a national development issue and they will take on the roles of those in the House, such as the Speaker, Mace Bearer, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the thirty-one seats of the House of Representatives. To prepare for next month’s proceedings, the children received training sessions in public speaking, debate procedures, as well as parliamentary procedures and standing orders of the House. They will be hosting another preparatory session to get ready for next month. Here’s a snippet of one of the practice sessions inside the House.

Lake Independence Area Rep, Children’s Parliament

“Honorable Member from Corozal Bay said that corporal punishment is the most effective form of discipline, however, he doesn’t even have proof to back up his statement.  Honorable Member of Cayo Central said that one slap, one pinch, Mr. Speaker, we all have stated that corporal punishment has negative effects. The ruling party has stated that corporal punishment only uses one slap, one pinch. How are we even tolerating talking about one slap, one pinch? What country would Belize be, Mr. Speaker?”