JUNE 2017

THE ROTARY Club of Deloraine’s 29th Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) at Deloraine Community Complex involved secondary students from across Tasmania.

In a hands-on, United Nation-style conference the event aimed to increase international understanding and goodwill.

Top prize of the Assembly 2017 went to Taroona High School’s Paul Bobenhausen and Alex Battaglia’s represention of Israel.  They also earned the opportunity to participate at the National Model United Nations in Canberra in August.

Deloraine High School’s Declan Kaerns and Andrew Carr’s representation of Serbia came in as runner-up, while Oglivie High School’s Jemima Methorst-Moore and Fraya Kay-Thompson’s representation of Argentina clinched the Most Improved award.

Each nominated school set about investigating and discussing a set of resolutions from the point of view of the country it represented. Thus was gained informed knowledge and understanding of the chosen country and many other regions of the world.

The 50 Grade 10 students representing twenty-five nations and thirteen schools were well researched and prepared on the resolutions;  confidently providing some very good debates.

All of the students were encouraged to dress in National costume of the country they represented.  Deloraine High School’s duo, Andrew and Declan, additionally achieved the National Costume award.

MUNA, first introduced to Rotary at Lake Cargelligo in 1980, was passed on to the Forbes Rotary Club in 1984.

Since then it has spread throughout most districts of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

In 1989, Rotary World President placed MUNA on their World Youth Activities Committee Agenda.  Similar sessions are now held in many countries, on the premise that it is through our youth that we can look forward to increased world peace and understanding.

The Deloraine Inner Wheel Club and Deloraine Primary School Parents Association topped off this year’s event by providing the weekend’s meals as the students enjoyed a social evening that included dancing on the Saturday night.

Photo | Mike Moores