FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

World poverty is topic of discussion for secondary students
25 October 2005, Belleville, Ontario—The topic of world poverty is the focus of this year’s Model United Nations event for secondary students. Experiencing a United Nations-style debate is an exciting two-day learning experience.

The 9th Annual Quinte and District Model United Nations will take place October 27 and 28 at Moira Secondary School. The event exposes students to real-world situations which they research, present their findings, debate their country’s positions and negotiate alternative resolutions. This year’s event involves 70 students representing the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, Albert College and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

“The organizers are thrilled to see the number of participants grow each year,” remarks Wendy Whitehead, Human Resources Officer for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. “It is remarkable to watch the students present their findings during the debating stage. They are quite convincing in their roles as actual United Nations country representatives with some donning the cultural attire.”

Description of the Model United Nations event
Students are appointed a United Nations country to represent. Preparation packages are distributed and students are supported by school staff members in the process of embarking on this international affair. Following the development of a position paper presentation, students, on behalf of the countries they represent, participate in clarification questioning and forming of alliances. The countries then attempt the complicated process of forming resolutions on the topic of world poverty. Resolutions are voted on following the presentations.

This Model United Nations program helps students develop skills which contribute to their understanding of the inter-connectedness of communities, cultures and the importance of building caring relationships.

Media representatives are invited to attend the Model United Nations event on Thursday 27 October between 8:30 a.m and 4:00 p.m. at Moira Secondary School.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 46 elementary and eight secondary schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. 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, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170, or 1 800 267-4350, ext. 2354