The United Nations comes to Melbourne Girls Grammar.
“The purpose of the United Nations is to bring all nations of the world together to work for peace and development, based on the principles of justice, human dignity and the wellbeing of all people.” During Term 1 at Melbourne Girls Grammar (MGGS), the school’s Year 7 students participated in a unique cross-curricular program, focused on developing their collaboration and leadership skills.
The program, inspired by the Model United Nations project, allowed the girls to experience a wide range of exciting workshops, which included public speaking, problem-solving, improvisation and mindfulness. The workshops were designed to provide access to all aspects of the MGGS experience, while working towards the final outcome: a model United Nations debate.
Model United Nations is an authentic simulation of the United Nations General Assembly and other multilateral bodies in which more than 400,000 middle school, senior secondary and college/university students worldwide participate every year. It aims to encourage debate and the sharing of views and to promote awareness of international relations and issues for young people; to inspire global mindedness and an understanding of the problems of the world and how to combat them while providing an atmosphere where students can progress in their communication skills and develop open-mindedness.
The topic the girls tackled was “The implications of refugees and asylum seekers travelling across the Mediterranean.” Additional expertise and support for the Year 7 girls was given by the Class of 2015 Old Grammarians — professional public speakers of the highest calibre. Three recent graduates, who are also veteran Model United Nations debaters, returned to MGGS to support, guide and inspire girls to reach their full potential.
In the words of the Year 7 girls, the Model United Nations Debate was “an innovative way to ease us into the conditions and expectations of our teachers” and it “helped us build team work and leadership skills.”
Established in 1893, Melbourne Girls Grammar (MGGS) is a place where challenge and choice create opportunities for every girl to […]