Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “We must become the change we want to see in the world” are unquestionably relevant in the contemporary scenario as the youth of this vibrant nation, the future, who carve out their ideas in the present are provided with an opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions so as to bring about a significant change in the world, which they visualize and dream of and one day they can transform those dreams into reality.
Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extracurricular activity commenced as a Club in CMR NPS and Ekya Schools, in which students typically role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. Preparing and participating in a MUN helps students develop leadership skills, research, writing, public speaking, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, coming up with solutions acceptable to majorities of the representatives also inculcates skills of negotiation, conflict resolution, and cooperation.
The Club activities kick-started in the month of July and culminated in December. Students of grades 6 – 9 enthusiastically participated in the various activities conducted in which they involved themselves in developing their worldly knowledge, confidence, public speaking, writing, and analytical skills. The activities included country research, country portfolio, opening speech, delegate speech, and preparing research on topics which led to discussions and debates by making use of the break-out rooms. This enabled students to explore and express themselves in a diplomatic and dextrous manner, empowering them to vocalize their opinions and deliberate on various issues of the world, which are of urgent and grave concern.
The pinnacle of this activity was the MUN session conducted by their Club mentors on December 8th, 2021. The Topic for the Security Council Session was
‘Refugees have to be provided with citizenship in the country of their choice”. Children chose to be Delegates of the USA, UK, France, China, Russia, India, Norway, Mexico, Kenya, Ireland, and Vietnam. Discussions and deliberations led them to come to a unanimous Resolution that Refugees should be trained in various skills and should be provided with an opportunity to prove themselves capable to adapt to their new environment and given the chance to choose for themselves whether to go back to their native country or apply for citizenship status. The session ended on a positive note where all the delegates were extremely content with their Resolution.
The participants were delighted and joyful to be a part of the MUN club and desire to take part in the club activities during the upcoming academic year.
-Virginia Issac, English And Social Science Teacher, Ekya School Byrathi