Mini-European Assembly kicks off with financial crisis

The first session of the 20th National Students Travel Foundation (NSTF) Mini-European Assembly kicks off this Friday with a debate on a topical issue: 'Financial Crisis - National intervention vs European collective action?'.

This year, 14 teams of students from post-secondary schools and the University of Malta will compete. At this Friday's session, the Junior College and University teams will present a report and a resolution on the topic and these will be debated upon by all the participating teams followed by a vote.

The assembly's sessions are open to the public this year. However, as seating is limited, those interested in attending are to book by sending an e-mail to nstf@nsts.org.

The assembly is an educational simulation exercise where students debate European affairs. Each team is assigned a specific country whose perspective they represent throughout. The experience exposes students to research, public speaking, document drafting and debate. It assists the students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to deal with a more open and more complex society.

In addition, participants gain valuable knowledge on various European topics and many of the students go on to take up important and influential roles within society, locally and overseas.

The assembly also serves to raise awareness to the importance of developing active European citizenship which is open to the world, respectful of cultural diversity and based on common values held in Europe, by highlighting the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity that enhance the participating states' way of life.

Introductory, training and team-building sessions are held at the NSTF premises in Valletta with past participants guide new participants in their workings, while plenary sessions are held in at various different venues where important decisions are taken on a daily basis.

Past sessions have been held at Parliament, the law courts, the Curia, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, among others.

An adjudication panel evaluates the participants throughout the year and the winners participate in a prize tour to the major European institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg organised by the NSTF.

The most commendable students are nominated 'Ambassadors of the NSTF Mini-European Assembly' and the Foundation enables them to participate in similar events overseas.

For further information on the NSTF Mini-European Assembly and the Foundation, view the website www.nsts.org/outgoing_menu/NSTF/tabid/1708/Default.aspx.