88th International Session of EYP The Netherlands- Rotterdam Experience

Congratulations to our three Year 6  English School delegates selected to join the Cyprus delegation, Cleopatra Pierides, Emily Vrahimi and Leonie Kallis.

Six delegates represented our country in the 88^th International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Rotterdam accompanied by the teacher coordinator of the EYP club at the school. 

Our delegates EYP stories follow:
The EYP International Session in Rotterdam exceeded all of my expectations. Debating resolutions on the most complex socio-political issues of our time, gave me a new-found understanding of the EU mechanism and of the power it yields. But more than this, I developed strong friendships with people from all over Europe, fighting language and cultural barriers to build a united and long lasting EYP family, which I know will always support me. – Leonie Kallis

I remember making a promise to myself that if I were given the opportunity to attend an International Session, I would try my best to make it worthwhile. However, once I entered this new colourful world, I didn’t feel the urge to try to fit in or try to stand out. And that’s the whole beauty of EYP; you meet people from all over Europe who may share the same political opinions, religious beliefs or even birthday as you. In just eight days you form bonds and discuss topics you would have never imagined of talking about with someone else. The EYP community is a safe place where you can be your absolute true self. Rushing to make it in time for breakfast, sleep deprivation, never reaching a conclusion during resolution typing, flying post-its during the General Assembly, cheering when your resolution passes, are all insignificant, fleeting moments. And when the session immediately comes to an end and you look back on those moments, you’ll realise that you are a completely different person. You’ll realise that you have a voice and you have the power to transform it into actions to make even the slightest change in the world. But most importantly, you’ll know that the people you’ve met and formed strong friendships with will always be by your side, cheering and supporting your every move. – Cleopatra Pierides

The EYP International Session in Rotterdam has changed and shaped me as a person. Meeting a variety of people with different personalities, opinions and ideas made me a more open-minded and accepting individual. Whilst discussing intriguing issues with my committee and challenging ourselves to find concrete solutions, we formed unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories and inevitably, all became part of one ever-growing EYP family! EYP was one of the most enjoyable and eye-opening experiences I ever had. – Emily Vrahimi

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