FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2004

Model United Nations event broadens students’ knowledge of global issues
Experiencing a United Nations-style debate is an exciting two-day learning experience for 62 Quinte-area secondary school students. The 8th Annual Quinte and District Model United Nations will take place October 29 and 30 at Moira Secondary School. The event exposes students to real-world situations which they have to research, then come prepared to present their findings, debate their positions and negotiate alternative resolutions.

Students representing 11 secondary schools from across Quinte are taking part. They come from Albert College, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, and the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.

“This year we have the highest number of participants in the event’s history. Another exciting aspect is the partnership with elementary students who are coming to observe what is going on. By watching the older students in action, the younger students can see first-hand how a Model United Nations works and hopefully will want to get involved when they get to high school,” remarks Wendy Whitehead, one of the event’s co-ordinators.

This year’s topic, Urban Issues, will see students discussing priorities such as:
• Pollution in cities, air quality and health concerns
• Traffic congestion and plans to reduce urban traffic
• Suburban sprawl and loss of adjacent farm land
• Urban poverty, homelessness, lack of jobs and street children
• Lack of green spaces
• Cities and crime
• Environmental impact of urban development
• Provision of basic services (water, power, etc.)
• Squatter settlements in developing countries
• Deteriorating urban infrastructure

Lyle VanClief, former Minister of Agriculture, will give opening remarks. As an added feature this year, a small number of elementary students from Harry J. Clarke Public School, Quinte Mohawk School, and Susanna Moodie Public School will be in attendance to observe the proceedings in preparation for the first- ever Model United Nations event for elementary students in December.

Media representatives are invited to attend the event on Friday 29 October between 8:30 a.m and
4:00 p.m. at Moira Secondary School.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,900 students and employing 1,083 teachers. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For information call: (613) 969-6789
• Wendy Whitehead, Human Resources Officer