MMUN Open Mic Night
Each year, our sixth-year students travel to New York to participate in Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN). Similar to the traditional Model UN that many of us might remember from high school, this program has been especially designed with Montessori principles in mind—it is a mixed-age experience designed to expand the students' global consciousness with a focus on cooperation rather than competition.
Maria Montessori supported the work of the League of Nations and its successor the United Nations as a forum where peace could be created. She recognized the hope for peace lay in the education of children.MMUN website
Our students and their chaperones will leave in a few short weeks to learn about the United Nations' world-wide peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts and act as delegates in a two-day simulation of a United Nations summit. They will present their papers on current global issues and work together to find solutions to real-world problems. And they will also have the chance to explore New York City!They have been preparing all year with three morning meetings per week, research, fundraising, writing, editing, more research and more writing and editing. And they've been practicing their public speaking skills. Last night, they got in a dress-rehearsal of sorts at the MMUN Open Mic Night, a chance to shake off their jitters and present to a crowd of parents, staff, alumni and fellow students.
Our nine delegates will represent three nations at this year's MMUN: The Republic of Angola, The Lao People's Democratic Republic and New Zealand.
The three nations will sit on two committees: Economic and Social Counsil (ECOSOC) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and their topics will be the advancement of women, deforestation, food insecurity and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).For last evening's event, each delegate summarized her/his problem and proposed a solution in a carefully distilled one-minute opening speech.
These incredible young people were commanding, poised, eloquent and inspiring, and it is an honor to witness their hard work and dedication.Thank you, delegates. Good luck (and have fun!) in New York City!