Montessori Model United Nations 2013

The 4th-6th graders at Meadowbrook spent last week in New York acting as delegates of Cameroon and Ghana at the Montessori Model United Nations. Students began this project by hearing the story of Eleanor Roosevelt and examining the Declaration of Human Rights. They spent much  of the school year researching their countries, discussing global issues, and preparing position papers and speeches to present during the event. We learned about the important work done by the United Nations and the Millennium Development Goals. 

There were Montessori students from 7 nations and 26 US states in attendance and by the end of the first day, our students had lots of new friends. Some of our students gave speeches in front of their committee rooms, which included between 40-60 students. Others chose to work behind the scenes during caucuses writing draft resolutions and collaborating with delegates from other countries. 

The Meadowbrook community is extremely proud of our young delegates. Their hard work and passion for helping others was clear to everyone. When asked, all students enthusiastically stated that they would participate again if given the chance. Please visit the MMUN website to learn more about this event: www.montessori-mun.org  If you attended this event, feel free to leave a comment about your experience.

Taking a break from solving the world's problems to enjoy the view.

Delegates of Ghana during the opening flag ceremony.

The opening ceremony made these girls smile (or maybe it was meeting Phillip Phillips ...)

Delegates waiting patiently to enter their committee rooms.

Students in the FAO Committee room raise their placards to be added to the speakers list.

The FAO Committee spent time during a regular caucus to draft a resolution to end world hunger.

The delegates on the SOCHUM Committee get ready for their first day at the Model UN.

Students explore the poster boards prepared by the student delegates with information about each country.

 

Students use the digital map of NYC to plan their day.

General Assembly

Waiting to enter the United Nations

 

The students were awestruck upon entering the General Assembly.

This delegate eagerly awaits his chance to cast a vote in the General Assembly.

Students watch the voting board to see if the resolution will pass.

From the MMUN website:  "student delegates formulate, present, debate, and revise positions on current issues that are affecting people of the world.  By assuming the perspectives of a citizen of their selected countries, MMUN students not only develop an understanding of the needs and rights of others, but also learn the respect the cultures, the political views, and the belief system of others. Model UN delegates also look closely at the needs, goals and foreign policies of the countries they will represent at the event. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, culture, economics and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulation." (www.montessori-mun.org).