This year, the Model United Nations club was formed in Manor School. The club, a student political-debating club, is based on students developing an understanding and supporting the work that the United Nations does around the world. Model United Nation clubs exist in high schools throughout the world.
Ron Wardrope, organizer of the club and principal of Manor school, is taking six students to one of the largest M.U.N. conferences in the world. The conference, set to take place in New York City, will have over 2,300 students from around the world attending.
Wardrope stated "Basically, schools are assigned a country to represent as "ambassadors" and specific UN committees to sit on. Students must research and write a position paper on their topic before they arrive at the conference. When you arrive at the conference you must represent your country on the committee that you have been assigned to. The simulations are realistic and designed to give the students practice in terms of public speaking, negotiating, research skills, and current events awareness. Awards are handed out for best delegates, best position papers, etc."
The 12th Annual Global Classrooms International Model UN Conference is held from May 12 to 14 in New York. Students representing Manor school range in age from grade nine to 12. The students include Stephanie Hodgson, Nicole Andrew, Kent Lees, Brayeden Rowley, Hayley Englot and Luke McCrimmon.
The students have been assigned the country of Morocco and are busy writing and preparing their position papers. The conference has provided the students with three committees and topics to prepare for, meaning that students will work in groups of two to complete their papers.
Stephanie Hodgson and Nicole Andrew have been assigned seats on the United Nations Environmental Programme. They are looking at the topic of harmful substances and hazardous wastes in the world today, and how we can deal more effectively with them.
Kent Lees and Brayden Rowley are sitting on the United Nations Conference on Sport for Peace and Development. These two are exploring the idea of using world-class sporting events to promote human rights.
Hayley Englot and Luke McCrimmon have been assigned to the United Nations General Assembly: Third Committee. The students are looking at how countries can possibly strengthen a coordinated response to humanitarian and natural disasters.
The students will fly out of Minot on May 11 to take in the conference and the city for a full week. In addition to the conference, students will visit a number of Big Apple sights including Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and a New York Yankee game.
With less than two weeks left before the trip, students are busy doing last minute fundraising to finance part of their trips. They have participated in a number of fundraisers so far including selling M&M Meats and Tupperware, selling tickets for an Ipad and catering to events throughout the past couple of months. They have also sent letters to local businesses for sponsorship in order to off-set some of the costs associated with this unique opportunity. If you are interested in supporting the group, please contact Mr. Ron Wardrope at 448-2110.
