West Fife youngsters take on United Nations challenge

West Fife schoolchildren have tasted what it’s like to solve global issues at the first ever Model United Nations (MUN) conference for primary schools.

A total of 30 pupils, aged between 10 and 12, from Cairneyhill, Culross, McLean, Pittencrieff and Townhill primaries took part in the event at Broomhall, near Charlestown.

MUN is part of a global citizenship educational programme that encourages pupils to role play as country delegates and debate international issues.

During the conference youngsters assumed the roles of representatives from the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, Syria and Bangladesh and took part in discussions on how to solve the global migrant crisis.

Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MP Douglas Chapman, who helped arrange the event, said: “I am delighted that the first ever Model United Nations conference for primary schools was held in my constituency.

“MUN is a great platform for children to learn about international relations and diplomacy, as well as helping to develop skills in negotiation and teamwork.

“Trialling MUN with primary schools was a leap into the unknown for us all, but I think everyone would agree that it was a great success, with enthusiastic and insightful input from all of the students who took part.

“It was clear that the children enjoyed the event as they seemed increasingly excited and engaged as the day progressed.

“I am grateful to everyone involved for the hard work they put in to ensure it was a success, and I have lodged an Early Day Motion in Parliament in their honour.”

Mr Chapman with the youngsters.