2008/02/22
Silver-tongued EL teen joins South African team in international event
HAVING the gift of the gab will see a Stirling High School pupil jetting off to the Big Apple next month to take part in a United Nations debate.
Likhanyile Lunyawo, 18, will be the only Eastern Cape representative in the South African team which will take part in this international debate at the UN headquarters in New York.
“It’s mind blowing,” that is how an excited Likhanyile described the Model United Nations high school debating competition earlier this week.
After winning the Eastern Cape division, along with her debating partner, the two headed for Cape Town in October last year for the next round. It was at this round that she booked her ticket to New York.
“It’s basically like taking part in a mini General Assembly, complete with opening and closing statements. The idea that we are going to be in the actual UN headquarters is wonderful,” she said.
Kanya, as she is known to her friends, dreams of being a lawyer.
“I’ve always wanted to do law, so when I came to high school taking up debating was an obvious option for me. I love it,” Likhanyile said.
“Being selected to go to the UN is huge. I’m so excited, this is going to look great on my resumé. It’s so linked with what I want to do one day.”
Although she has not received her topic yet, she expects issues to be similar to previous debates, which covered subjects like refugees, child labour, climate change and HIV/Aids.
“I think the debate will be along the lines of the present world debates that are currently happening in politics,” she said.
Mom Liziwe said she was over the moon with excitement. “We are really proud of Kanya. She is an excellent debater and I’m sure this will open up many doors for her,” she said.
Stirling High School principal Charles Foster said: “Kanya is a remarkable young lady. She makes the most of every opportunity that comes her way, and she is a fine role model to her fellow pupils. She has debating skills of a high order. I’m not surprised she was chosen,” Foster said.
“We are all very proud of her.”
Likhanyile leaves for New York at the end of March. -By NICOLETTE SCROOBY Lifestyle Reporter
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