Earlier this year, I was very grateful to be given the opportunity and the honour to represent The Greek Youth Community of Australia in Greek Parliament.
Beginning on the 28th of June and concluding on the 1st of July, over 300 youths were selected to voice their opinions, views and ideas on the various topics that were selected for 2013. The youths were separated into groups according to the topics they had chosen and several discussions took place in different chambers of the Youth Parliament. I was given the opportunity to talk to fellow youths as well as government and parliamentary officials about bullying in Australian schools. Becoming a world-wide phenomenon, bullying within schools has become an issue of great significance. The youth forum allowed us to learn new things about bullying in different countries and to make comparisons with Australia.
However, it wasn’t all just about speaking in parliament. We were also taken to Hrwdeio to see a Russian and Byzantine choir as well as various Greek traditional dances. We were also taken on a trip to the Acropolis, climbed the stairs to the Parthenon and toured the new Acropolis Museum.
Travelling to Greece is an experience I’ll never forget! I toured Athens, made new friends but most importantly represented the Greek youth of Australia in Greek Parliament. I will treasure these memories forever.
I encourage future youths to take part in the Youth Parliament and to continue to make a difference to the changing world around us. Break the silence and work together to combat the growing issue of bullying.
Youth parliament 2013 – an experience to remember and always treasure. * Maria Anamourlis is a Year 11 St Johns Greek Orthodox College student. She was chosen by the Greek Education Department to address the Greek Parliament for Youth, an institution aiming at acquainting young school students with the parliamentary process.