Port Phillip Rotary sponsored three teams of two girls each from Mac Robertson Girls’ Secondary’s Interact club to represent the school at the MUNA weekend on 20th and 21st May at the Mecure Hotel in North Melbourne.
This international youth program simulates the workings of the United Nations Assembly by having teams of two senior students from a number of schools represent a particular UN country. The students debate on matters of world political and social concern. The assembly aims to build goodwill, world peace and understanding through the experience of tackling issues from the viewpoint of the team’s ‘adopted’ country, even where this may be completely contrary to their own views. Students use research, debating and public speaking skills to address a wide range of contemporary and world-focussed issues. The program extends over a weekend, and it is chaired and judged by Rotarians. Neville Page (RC North Melbourne) is the Chair and is to be congratulated on such a successful event.
Team 1- Italy Nusayeeba Z and Grace L
Team 2 - Mexico Tanveerjaha R and Chloe Y
Team 3 - Thailand Mollynda B and Shakkthy T
The presentations and debates were indeed lively with a regular “Point of Order” being thrown into challenge the speakers representing the various countries, pushing the speaker to justify statements made. The students were engaged and so involved in the proceedings. All participants were required to dress in a costume to always reflect their country while debating in the General Assembly. This is an area where they could have been very serious or have a bit of fun.
If the students are representatives of their generation, then we are in the hands of motivated, clear thinking, problem solving and passionate young men and women.
The intention that while the students debate to the best of their abilities, that they all enjoy the weekend and have fun as well.
