The Parlement des Jeunes

The Parlement des Jeunes is a French-speaking youth parliament sponsored by the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).

What is the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF)?

The APF is a parliamentary organisation which has no political agenda but brings together many nations across the world where French is used, including Canada, African countries such as Senegal and Madagascar, Asian countries such as Laos and Vietnam, and Europe.

One of the aims of the APF is to seek closer co-operation amongst different cultures in countries which are wholly or partially French-speaking and it supports initiatives of any kind which help spread the use of the French language.

Who belongs to the APF in Jersey?

All States members are eligible to be members of the APF. The Jersey Section selects members to attend annual regional meetings, particularly with French-speaking countries in the European region, which helps to improve relationships with countries closer to home. A Jersey States member attends the annual plenary Assembly every 2 years when the Parlement des Jeunes is held (in the same country and at the same time).

Who attends the Parlement des Jeunes?

100 youth representatives come from 50 countries worldwide; one young man and one young woman for each country. Jersey sends the same number of representatives as any other country, despite the fact that we are a small jurisdiction.

Why go to the Parlement des Jeunes?

It is a fabulous opportunity for anyone studying the French language. Students from across the world, from differing cultures and with very different backgrounds, come together and debate topics which are of interest to everyone.

What happens at a Parlement des Jeunes?

The delegates split into 4 debating groups and around 4 topics are chosen for the session. The topics vary each time, but in the past have included:

• child soldiers
• working children
• young people and political parties
• the food crisis, the credit crunch, consumerism and the social consequences for young people

In each case the group has to come up with a proposition (debate topic) to put to the main assembly of elected parliamentarians at the end of their deliberations. On the last day, all the young representatives join the parliamentarians in the plenary assembly for a debate.

What will I gain from attending?

The benefits to participants are increased civic and cultural awareness, improvement in French, public speaking experience, and it makes a great addition to your CV. Young representatives come back with significantly improved confidence.

What are the rules for entry?

You need to be aged between 18 and 23 and free to travel and take part in the session which is usually held during the first week of July.

You need to be able to speak French reasonably well, and be able to read and write in French. A final year A-level student or a university student would be suitable. You do not need to be academic, but you do need good French.

How can I apply?

You must write an essay on one of 4 topics decided by the APF. The topics are usually published in December, 6 months before the next Parlement des Jeunes. The deadline is normally a month later, in January.

A shortlist is then made and you will be interviewed in French to assess your standard of oral French and your general suitability.

If you think you may be interested in applying, please let us know and we will keep you on our mailing list and will send you the information as soon as it arrives. Please telephone Lisa Hart, Deputy Greffier of the States, on +44 (0) 1534 441021 or email  l.hart@gov.je

The information and selection guide from previous years can be found on the APF website.