MP helps aspiring young diplomats

21 Jul 2020
Tatachilla

Posted October 3, 2017

Two Tatachilla Lutheran College students will be heading to Canberra for a national United Nations-style diplomacy competition later this year with some assistance
from the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

Photograph: Tatachilla Lutheran College Principal Cain McDonald, left, and Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie with Year 12 students Tilly Symonds and Mathieu Patton who are heading to Canberra to represent the state in the Evatt Competition.

Rebekha recently presented $300 to Mathieu Patton and Tilly Symonds from Willunga so they could represent South Australia at the national finals of the Evatt UN Youth Diplomacy Competition in late November.

The Evatt is a Model United Nations Security Council diplomacy competition for students in Years 9 to 12 and takes the form of a mock session of the UN Security Council.

Teams of two students debate, amend and vote on a prepared resolution from the perspective of their assigned nation.

The students judged the most effective diplomats proceed to the next round of the contest, which is organised by United Nations Youth Australia.

Tatachilla Year 12 students Mathieu and Tilly have made it to the nationals, and will represent South Australia along with another team from Mercedes College in Adelaide.

Tatachilla College is covering half of the students' travel and accommodation costs but Mathieu and Tilly are expected to raise their own funds for the trip.

“When Mathieu and Tilly approached my office and explained what the Evatt Competition was all about and what they were hoping achieve I was delighted to contribute to their efforts,” Rebekha said.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for these motivated young people to hone their public speaking, negotiation, teamwork and research skills as well as being a chance for them to meet like-minded youth and learn more about the United Nations and our own national capital.

“I would encourage other community groups seeking to support our young people to consider sponsoring Mathieu and Tilly.”

Tilly and Mathieu said they took part in the Evatt Competition because they were “passionate about international affairs and the world”.

“We really appreciate the generous donation Rebekha has made towards our trip,” Tilly said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity, a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we appreciate all the help we have been given to help us achieve this.”

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