On the 25th of November 2022, the National Assembly of Belize in collaboration with the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, and UNICEF hosted a successful Children’s Parliament. At this special event, adult Parliamentarians along with other invited guests were in attendance in the public galleries.
The children parliamentarians arrived at the National Assembly at 9:45 A.M. where they prepared for the commencement of the House of Representatives that started at about 10:15 A.M.
The Sitting of the House of Representatives began with Ms. Flor DeLeón leading prayers. There was an Announcement by the Speaker, Ms. Azariah Chaplin. The Education and Training (Vocational Development) Bill, 2022, was introduced by the Minister of Education, Lea Gonzalez which was referred to the Education, Sports and Housing Committee and thereafter debated. The Bill was read a first time, a second time, and a third time. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M.
Meanwhile, the Sitting of the Senate started at 11:45 A.M. where Ms. Flor DeLeón once again led prayers. The Youth Senators debated the Education and Training (Vocational Development) Bill, 2022, with confidence, and thereafter approved the Bill. The meeting of the Senate was adjourned at 12:30 P.M.
To wrap up the day’s event, the children Parliamentarians met with the official Parliamentarians one last time at the foot of the steps of the National Assembly building at the award ceremony. All the youth parliamentarians received awards, and two additional awards were given to the best debaters for the upper house and lower house. Hon. Maria Cal received the award from the House of Representatives and Hon. Kathryn Velasquez received the award from the Senate.
