June Immersion - UNSC Simulation
The MUN workshop for 19 students of grade 7 was held in Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad from 24 June to 28 June 2019. It was a simulation of the UNSC i.e. United Nations Security Council. It was conducted by Emily Wood and Rose Cyburt who were from Alma in Michigan. It was ably facilitated by Anna and observed by Ms. Meenakshi, Ms. Sapna, Ms Prerna, Ms Tina and Ms Yamini from Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad. The duration of the workshop was from 9 am to 3 pm with tea break and lunch break at 10.30 am and 12.30 pm respectively.
The first day of the workshop started off with the screening of a documentary movie on climate change named-An inconvenient Sequel-Truth to power. After watching the documentary, the students discussed their concerns about climate change and asked probing questions. The students were then explained about the roles and responsibilities of the Security Council. The students were told about the other agencies of the UN that play an important role. They were also apprised of the formal procedures that are in practice in the UN.
On the second day, the students were introduced to the terminology and academic vocabulary that they needed to use while being a part of MUN. The students were made aware of using formal language and how to address the Chairperson while in session. The students were told to do research about the climate change policies of their respective countries which they had already been assigned. The mentors gave a list of trusted links that they could use for research. The students did thorough research on their laptops and wrote a resolution paper.
The third day of the workshop was a simulation of UNSC. The students came prepared and had brought their well-researched papers. Their transition from students of grade 7 to delegates was smooth and laudable. They read out their papers in front of the other delegates. The speeches had to adhere to the time limit of 90 seconds.
The fourth day saw the students deeply engrossed in more research. The delegates had informal sessions with delegates of other countries which shared their views. Groups of like-minded countries worked towards making a resolution that would be workable.
The last day of the workshop was the cherry on the cake when the delegates presented their final resolution papers. The formal process of voting and abstaining was followed and the resolutions with maximum votes were passed.
It was indeed a very enriching experience and a riveting session. The students shared that the workshop had not only helped them build their confidence but also honed their public speaking skills.
Principal, Ms. Anju Wal gave away the certificates to the students and expressed her thanks to the two mentors and Anna. Special thanks to Ms. Meenakshi Sharma for her continuous support and guidance to children.