Model UN develops pupils: Dokora

Rutendo Rori Herald Reporter
High school pupils are developed positively through forums like the Model United Nations, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora, said when opening the seventh annual Model United Nations on Friday.

The Model United Nations is an imitation of the General Assembly where high school pupils act on behalf of country leaders in discussing important issues affecting the world today.

Dr Dokora said the model was one of the key methods of learner empowerment on International Affairs in Zimbabwe.

“Platforms of this nature enable learners to develop confidence and leadership skills as they are presented with opportunities to practise research and skills in public speaking, writing skills, negotiation and diplomacy in a safe and structured environment.

“One of the key goals of the curriculum is to develop learners who have relevant knowledge and skills and are respectful citizens who belong to their families, their countries, their communities, indeed who are also an important part of the global community,” said Dr Dokora.

He said Model UN was motivational and would create world leaders capable of solving the world’s challenges.

“It is the intention of the ministry to develop learners who are positive, innovative and who see opportunities where others see obstacles, learners who can make the best of their lives with the resources at their disposal,” said Dr Dokora.

Dr Dokora said the curriculum intended to develop learners who were positive, innovative and who persisted until they achieved meaningful outcomes.

“With the new curriculum, the ministry has created a tradition of stakeholder involvement and this must cascade to all schools in a healthy manner. We need, however, to make sure that engagements are procedural and appropriate for both parties, the school and counterpart entities,” said Dr Dokora.

He said the Model UN should be broadened in future as the ministry deepened the implementation of the new curriculum.