The 10th Annual Quinte and District Model United Nations will take place November 16 and 17 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, Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and Quinte Christian School.

“This is a special year for the Model UN event because it is the 10th anniversary,” remarks Wendy Whitehead, Human Resources Officer for the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and one of the event’s organizers. “It is remarkable to watch the students present their research during the debating stage. They are incredible ambassadors for their representative countries.”

The topic of international migration
This year’s event features guest speakers from Quinte United Immigrant Services and the United Nations Association in Canada. Students will represent 35 different countries. The topic of international migration looks at how people’s migration patterns have changed in recent decades. Today most migrants leave poor countries for a hoped-for better life in countries of the developed world. The reasons for their migration and issues around their impact on their new countries are the dominant topics of this event.

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 delegates then attempt the complicated process of forming resolutions on the topic of international migration. Resolutions are voted on following the presentations.

The 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 16 November between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Moira Secondary School.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 18,000 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district 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.

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For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354