Thalia and Xavier share youth assembly
Thalia Mitchell of Drouin and Xavier Swetman of Tynong North, two year-11 students at Drouin Secondary College, attended the weekend Rotary District Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) at Phillip Island Adventure Resort in May.
They visited the Drouin Rotary Club recently to speak about the experience.
Having been nominated by Rotary, they passed through the interview process conducted by Rotarian Anita Coonan and joined other students from across the Rotary District – Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula.
Speaking at the Rotary meeting, Thalia and Xavier said that the “assembly” was based on the United Nations General Assembly, and the students represented a range of countries, dressed in appropriate attire, with Thalia and Xavier taking the part of the delegates of the Peoples Republic of China.
Resolutions on a range of subjects were debated, including the topical issue of North Korea’s missiles policy and subsequent sanctions, and tensions in the Middle East.
The students’ participation had required indepth research on the nation they were to represent so that they could speak on the various subjects from the point of view of the government of that country – in this case, China.
Thalia and Xavier said that they “made enemies” in debate, but the whole weekend was a very friendly experience and a life-changing opportunity to open their minds on the various issues facing the world.
Thalia and Xavier said that the “assembly” had been remarkable, very enjoyable and had inspired them to pursue their chosen professions. They thanked Rotary for nominating them, Rotarian Anita Coonan for her guidance, and for the opportunity to gain this valuable experience – mentioning the behind-the-scenes political negotiations with other “nations”.
In closing the meeting, president Tim Wills congratulated the students on the confidence they displayed in delivering their presentations, and on their clarity of expression, and thanked Anita for her work in preparing them for their MUNA experience.