NOT every schoolgirl gets to sit in the House of Commons and join debates chaired by Speaker John Bercow MP.
But one 15-year-old from Great Baddow in Chelmsford will travel to the Palace of Westminster today where she will sit and discuss a range of issues affecting young people.
Armed with a prepared speech, Mudiwa Madziwa, who attends The Sandon School, will sit in the Commons alongside more than 300 other elected members of the Youth Parliament from across the UK.
"It's an amazing atmosphere in the House. I just love it," said Mudiwa, who also took part in the annual debate last year.
"I was a bit nervous last time and just wanted to sit and listen, but my confidence has grown so I'm really hoping I get a chance to stand up and speak this year."
Mudiwa is one of six Essex members of the UK Youth Parliament, which was the first and only body to be allowed to debate in the House of Commons other than MPs.
The six youngsters are also members of the Young Essex Assembly – a youth parliament of 75 elected students which mirrors the political set-up on the county council – whose role it is to tackle issues facing young people in the county.
She is hoping to speak on the UK Youth Parliament's national campaign issue: Making public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all.
"Chelmsford is surrounded by rural areas and young people living there have to pay a lot of money to catch an infrequent bus or take a taxi just so they can meet their friends on a Saturday afternoon," she said.
"We want public transport to be cheaper and more accessible for everyone."
Fellow Essex representative Michaella Philpot, from Benfleet, is leading one of the questions on another debate on same sex marriages. She said: "I think it will be one of the most amazing days of my life and it is a fantastic opportunity to show positive images of young people and what we can do."
The other four Essex members are Karl Grant, from Rochford, Emily Zepeda, from Colchester, Lavinia Harrington, from Tendring, and Natalie Pavelin from Rayleigh.
The debate, chaired by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP and broadcast live on BBC Parliament, will focus on the top five issues chosen by more than 250,000 young people in the UK Youth Parliament's Make Your Mark ballot earlier this year.
At the end of the five debates, members of Youth Parliament will vote to decide which issue will become their national campaign for 2013.
As well as transport and same sex marriage, the debates will focus on getting ready for work, an equal national minimum wage, and a curriculum to prepare young people for life.
