Kenwood represents Cameroon at Model UN conference
March 22, 2010 • Kaitlyn Baker-White, Reporter
Filed under News, Top Stories
The Model United Nations is a club that helps students get an idea of what’s going on in other nations by educating them about civics, current events, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. Members are encouraged to have opinions and to help solve problems.
In a typical Model UN meeting, students research a particular country, take on the roles of diplomats, and participate in a simulated session of an intergovernmental organization (IGO). It is a good way of learning and strengthening communication skills, critical thinking skills and debating skills.
“The purpose of Model UN is to learn about the world and the many problems we all face as a community of nations – not as individuals, but as an interdependent group of nations,” said Mr. Shea, faculty sponsor of Kenwood’s Model UN group. “Students learn a great deal of basic facts about the nation they are to represent as well as about the specific issues that the UN must solve. They can then use this knowledge to improve the world for their generation as well as others.”
This year’s conference took place February 4th through the 7th at the downtown Palmer House Hilton. Kenwood represented the nation of Cameroon at the conference, attended by 2,300 students from all over the country. Though the major work of this year’s group is done, they will still hold meetings this spring in order to raise funds for next year’s conference.
Students looking to learn about the world beyond our country’s borders would find the Model UN to their liking.
“Student delegates do research before the conference on their topic and find out what has already been done by the UN and others, then creatively think of new ways that may be even more effective,” said Shea. “It really is an exercise in how to create a world we want to live in – and most importantly, to learn how difficult it is to accomplish that.”
Of course, as Shes also noted, Model UN is not for everyone.
“Too many people are selfish and apathetic and could care less about the world,” he said. “However, if students are strongly motivated to help solve problems that all nations face…then you should become involved in Model UN.”
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