Learning outcomes achieved while doing the
activity over a period of time:
1) [√] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth
2) [√] Undertaken new challenges
3) [ ] Planned and initiated activities
4) [√] Work collaboratively with others
5) [ ] Shown perseverance
and commitment in their activities
6) [√] Engaged with issues of global importance
7) [√] Considered the ethical implications of their actions
8) [√] Developed new skills
I have been part of MUN (Model United Nations) in school club. But our school has one hour of club in a week so I did not really get a chance to know about MUN. I claimed to know about MUN, but I really did not know much. There were several actual, real MUN outside in the other schools, cities, and abroad but I could not go to any of them because I thought I did not know anything about MUN and needed more practice, MUNs were too expensive and parents refused due to long period of time I had to be away from home.
So when I heard from Grusha (my friend) about the MUNcafe opening in Hyderabad, I was half doubtful and excited as well. I had so much difficulty convincing my parents, but I got the consent and I was in the car with my brother on 31st, Saturday morning. (my brother decided to come along.). When I arrived at the MUN café, the scariness overwhelmed me. Everyone seemed to be so much prepared for the discussion. Some were actively talking about their issues, laughing at jokes… etc. but I registered in the last minute and did not even know my country. Aliza, the chair gave me an organization I had to represent. CSUCS. WHAT? I haven’t heard of it. It was something like.. an organization that helps to stop the children in the arm conflicts. Oh my God. I was given few minutes to search about the organization. I was so scared. I would stammer and will not be able to say anything. Grusha kept comforting me that it is the first time, and I do not need to say anything if I don’t want to.
As Grusha expected, It was not very formal as many other MUNs, maybe because there was no fees or money that needed to be paid for, or because this was the first time to open MUN café to spread awareness. I came to know that more than half of the students were taking part in MUN for the first time, including me. As the MUN progressed I started to get used to the procedure. I raised my plank card to speak about my opinion in moderated caucus; I had a nice argument with the delegate of Libya on recent crisis (I condemned the government and asked for apology which he refused); I formed block with USA, UK, Philippines, Poland…etc during un-moderated caucus; we all talked about root cause of the child soldiering, ways to solve this problem and how; I received chits from other delegates... Wow, It was great. I think I have gained and learned more than I have expected.;
Ø I gained confidence. I realized that I could speak in front of people. I was not scared to give them presidential speech on the crisis.
Ø I learned the importance to know about histories of different countries and current issues.
Ø I got the entire picture of the procedure and rules of MUNs
Ø I made many friends. We were total strangers in the morning. But by the time the MUN was done, we shared our email ids asking each other to be in touch.
Ø I discussed about children in arm conflict. I spent my time thinking about life of million children and how to help them instead of grudging on what I don’t have. I was proud of myself.
Ø I gained broader perspective to look at situations. Instead of thinking of “I”, the individual, I was pondering on the crisis as the head of the organization, who represents entire crew in the organization.
Ø I am now willing to go to other MUN. OakMUN (Oakridge MUN), HMUN (Harvard MUN) is approaching. I am now seriously considering to take part in them.
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