?When third-year medical student, Patience Phoshoko, was chosen to represent South Africa at the Asia Youth International Model United Nations, 2025, it was, in her words, “one of the most meaningful moments of my academic and leadership journey so far".
Little did she know she'd be voted as the best delegate in the UNICEF Council, an accolade which saw her getting a trophy, a certificate and high praise from event organisers.
Patience, a third-year medical student, who is vice-chair of the Tygerberg Societies Council, spoke warmly about her experience at the event. “I felt like I was standing up for the girls who've been made to doubt their worth or potential," she said. “By being here, I wanted to show them that they matter, that their voices count, and that they too have a seat at the table."
The Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) is an international youth conference where international participants participate in discussions on key issues, similar to the format of debates in the United Nations. It enables young up-and-coming leaders to hone their debating and diplomacy skills and enables them to network with peers from around the globe.
This year, the conference was held in Bangkok, Thailand in May, and featured some 400 delegates from about 100 countries.
Patience, who originally hails from Lebowakgomo township in Limpopo, described the conference as “an unforgettable journey of diplomacy, global collaboration, and personal growth".
She said the selection process for AYIMUN was highly competitive. Delegates were chosen from essays they submitted on why they wanted to become UN Youth Delegates, and what they stand for.
“For me, this was more than an essay. It was a declaration of my purpose. I wrote about being an activist for gender equality and education and described the challenges we face in South Africa. I proposed targeted, inclusive strategies to reduce illiteracy rates in South Africa, emphasizing community-driven initiatives such as learning hubs and mobile education platforms.
“Recognising that girls constitute most of the out-of-school youth in the country, I advocated for gender-responsive literacy programmes that integrate life skills and vocational training to enhance both access and impact. I also underscored the role of digital innovation in bridging educational gaps in rural and marginalised communities. At the heart of these proposals is the conviction that education is a fundamental right, and every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, thrive, and take her rightful seat at the table.
“I reflected on the role I've played in student leadership and volunteer work, and why I believe youth voices must be heard in shaping national and global policy," said Patience, who hopes to one day qualify as a neurosurgeon.
Her essay, as well as her introductory video were both voted best in the country, leading to her representing South Africa at the conference.
The conference saw the young delegates presenting well-researched positional papers which they then debated in United Nations style.
“I was one of 70 delegates who were placed in the UNICEF committee where the central topic was the Importance of Informal Education. I conducted in-depth research on the topics for four months leading up to the conference, all while balancing the intense demands of medical school.
“My aim was to fully understand South Africa's existing policies, the challenges faced by our youth in accessing education, and how informal education systems (such as community-based programmes, skills workshops, and digital tools) could bridge the gaps left by formal institutions. I reviewed reports from UNICEF, UNESCO, the Department of Basic Education, and studies on rural access and education in post-apartheid South Africa. This groundwork empowered me to propose realistic solutions.
“It was a high-energy, intellectually charged space where we acted as true diplomats — debating, negotiating, and building alliances to advocate for our countries while crafting collaborative global solutions.
“I worked closely with delegates from Nigeria, New Zealand, Kenya, as well as the BRICS delegates. We identified shared struggles and collective goals in improving informal education. The debates were intense yet exhilarating," she said.
Patience said she was delighted to be awarded best delegate for UNICEF. “It's not only for me, but for my university and my country. In researching my main topic of education, I found out the full extent of Stellenbosch 肆客足球's involvement in informal education around Cape Town, in particular programmes aimed at increasing literacy rates
“It was about being recognised for the research, the strategy, the collaboration, and the heart I put into representing South Africa on a global stage. It reminded me of the immense power young people hold when they speak up, connect across borders, and fight for progress."
Patience was also voted the best-dressed delegate in an isiXhosa traditional outfit.
She said networking with the other delegates who are passionate about issues facing the world was a highlight. “It made me realise South Africa is not alone in facing developmental challenges, and meaningful collaboration across nations is essential.
She said she hopes to attend more United Nations conferences to tackle pressing issues faced by the world. “As much as I'm interested in medicine, I'm also interested in politics and international relations. Who's to say I can't combine both and become a diplomat dedicated to advancing global health?"
She added: “I want my story to empower other students to believe their voices have the power to create change and their hard work can shape a better future."
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