When you think of teenagers, the first thought that pops into your mind doesnB次元官网网址檛 tend to be an image of highly polished individuals in business attire debating foreign policies.
But thatB次元官网网址檚 exactly what one group of Belmont Secondary students spend their time doing.
The schoolB次元官网网址檚 model united nations club has expanded this year, with students attending a number of conference across the Island
B次元官网网址淎s soon as they don their business wear it is very impressive,B次元官网网址� said Dayna Christ-Rowling, one of the clubB次元官网网址檚 teacher sponsors. B次元官网网址淭hey gain a lot of knowledge in a very short time,B次元官网网址� in what she referred to as authentic learning outside of the classroom.
She noted those that have negative opinions of teenagers should visit one of these conferences to see students in action.
But itB次元官网网址檚 not just adults that can get the wrong impression.
Cassandra Campbell added itB次元官网网址檚 easy for other students to get sucked into common misconceptions and think that it can be academically overwhelming. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 more fun than academic,B次元官网网址� she added.
Morgana Adby noted B次元官网网址測ou donB次元官网网址檛 really know what youB次元官网网址檙e getting into [but] you get the model UN bug B次元官网网址� ItB次元官网网址檚 like larping [live action role-playing] for people that like foreign policy.B次元官网网址�
The club, which is comprised entirely of Grade 11 students this year, is open to everyone.
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Isha Cheema participated in her first event this year and quickly adjusted to the learning curve. B次元官网网址淚 was so nervous, but when you go there you ease into it, itB次元官网网址檚 not as stressful as youB次元官网网址檇 expect.B次元官网网址�
While she initially sat back and watched others, she quickly found her own voice and, representing Japan, she partnered with Sweden to draft a backup paper just in case the one their committee was working on got vetoed. Which, in hindsight was a good move as it did. But even with all of the preparation and dedication, mishaps do still happen.
Keemia Alizadeh-Borji was at a conference and had prepared to represent Ethiopia. But when she arrived she was told there had been a mistake. B次元官网网址淭hey sent me the wrong country,B次元官网网址� she explained, but thankfully she was supposed to be representing Saudi Arabia, a country she had represented in the past.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an amazing experience to be a controversial country B次元官网网址� It was an opportunity to do something you donB次元官网网址檛 agree with.B次元官网网址�
While at a conference she noted delegates have to take stances on topics and policies that align with the views of the country theyB次元官网网址檙e representing and not based on their personally beliefs. B次元官网网址淵ou have to deal with everything that is thrown at you,B次元官网网址� she added.
But most importantly, Adby noted students learn conflict management and compromise. B次元官网网址淚t sets young people up to be able to manage conflict and not take it personally.B次元官网网址�
Christine Camaso added B次元官网网址渋tB次元官网网址檚 taught me more about diplomacy than any class B次元官网网址� and not stepping over others.B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 also allowed them to create friendships with other students around the globe. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 such a unique hobby B次元官网网址� it brings together a diverse group of students that are all interested in the same things,B次元官网网址� Camaso explained.
The club has been to three model UN conferences this school year. Last month, the group travelled to the mainland to participate in the Vancouver Model United Nations conference, which is one of B次元官网网址� if not the largest B次元官网网址� high school student-organized conferences in North America. The Belmont club noted roughly 1,400 participants took part in the three-day event with delegates from several countries.
Three members of the club, including Adby and Camaso, also headed to New York last week to participate in a model UN conference. TheyB次元官网网址檒l return home just in time to join their teammates in preparing for another event taking place in April. Hosted by the Shawnigan Lake School, ShawMUM Victoria takes over the Victoria Conference Centre from April 6 to 7 and will feature keynote speaker Dennis Edney, who is known for his pro bono defense of Omar Khadr who was detained in Guantanamo Bay at the age of 16.
When asked why she joined, Campbell noted B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 important for our generation to broaden their views.B次元官网网址�
The club has been in operation for six years and was started by Evelyn Amado. Christ-Rowling took over when she retired and also enlisted the help of fellow teachers William Stee and Cathy Davis. Christ-Rowling noted the Belmont club is one of the few competing locally that is from a public school, mostly because of the costs associated with the events. The club is looking for donations and anyone interested can reach out to Christ-Rowling by emailing dchristrowling@sd62.bc.ca.
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