International educational school trips are not something that students at Nibras International School in Dubai have had much opportunity to take part in. This all changed this month, when 14 student delegates attended a Model United Nations event at Nibras’ sister school in Spain.
Representing the UAE at the first International Schools Partnership (ISP) Model United Nations conference, students joined a conference who’s theme this year was ‘Together We Make a Difference’; a theme designed for like minded students to bring about global betterment by improving their understanding of international affairs and developing public speaking skills.
Nibras International School boasts almost 80 nationalities in the school, but the aim was to take multiculturalism a step further by encouraging students to grow as “internationally-minded” inquirers and develop leadership abilities to prepare them for after they graduate high school.
Jana Madani is Grade 11 student who received a commendation for excellence, one of 4 out of the 14 delegates from the school. She is a perfect example of why every student should attend Model United Nations. She said:
“When I first heard about MUN I was not interested in joining because I was terrified of speaking in public, but as we discussed the topic with our social studies teacher Mr Brandon, I felt I had to challenge myself and do something new. Going to Spain, our team was excited but nervous, but by the first break after our first session I had never felt happier or more confident. This experience was an emotional one and has changed my perspective on many things in my life. This is just the beginning of a great thing!”
MUN students met on Saturdays and daily after school for several weeks—not only for Model United Nations practice but also to help organize International Week and raise awareness on campus. Whilst in Spain, students also employed several avant-garde practice methods including impromptu public speeches.
“I am from everywhere and everywhere I am going…” This slightly adjusted quote from political activist and philosopher Jose Marti perfectly describes the tone of the conference. International Schools Partnership educates 20,000 students in almost 30 schools across 8 countries, and the group started Model United Nations last year to bring together ISP students to foster truly amazing international learning experiences. The result is a transition into “global citizens”, something the world truly needs more of.
Although Nibras found some students were natural MUNsters, many find that they are not; but anyone can do it, given the proper exposure and motivation in an internationally-minded environment like the one Mr Lewis created within the MUN group at Nibras International School. You can read the full article, and more student experiences here.
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