Local YMCA Kids Show Their Stuff At Model U.N. Conference in Burbank

May 18, 2011 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.—Nine area middle schoolers represented four different countries at this month's YMCA Model United Nations (MUN) Conference in Burbank. The six, seventh and eighth graders were part of the Triunfo YMCA and Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park delegations.

   YMCAs from throughout California brought more than 500 ambassadors to the conference. Participants in MUN undertake many of the tasks of the real UN. Delegates research, debate and establish policies, treaties and resolutions focusing on international issues. Each delegation is assigned countries to represent and become advocates for the issues affecting those countries.

   Triunfo YMCA brought six kids who served as "ambassadors" for Chile and Honduras. Anna Moss, in sixth grade at Medea Creek Middle School, represented Chile and Caroline Bachman, in sixth grade at Lindero Canyon Middle School, represented Honduras in the Economic and Social Council where they served on a committee to eradicate poverty and hunger.

   Jonathon Guaman, in sixth grade at A.E.Wright Middle School, and Ofir Hadari, in eighth grade at Medea Creek Middle School, both represented Chile in the General Assembly. Guaman served on a committee to support humanitarian and social rights and Hadari was in a committee addressing global deforestation and desertification. Kelsey Korn, in eighth grade at Lindero Canyon Middle School, was in the Non-Governmental Organizations portion of MUN where she served as a director leading discussions on the current health issues in Japan.

   The Miller YMCA brought three ambassadors all from Sycamore Middle School in Newbury Park. The delegation, which represented Singapore and Burkina Faso, won the statewide "Premier Delegation" award. Courtney Brousseau, in eighth grade, represented Burkina Faso, and served on a committee to further women’s rights. Brousseau received an "Outstanding Speaker" award for his committee presentation. Taylor Wang, in seventh grade, was the Triunfo Y's press representative. She wrote articles about meetings, conferences, took pictures and helped put together a daily newspaper and summit press blog. Ethan Zheng, a sixth grader, represented Singapore and worked with Ofir Hadari and other delegates in a committee focused on global deforestation.

   “MUN is an educative blend of FFF--fun, friends and freedom of speech," says Anna Moss, who also received the statewide award for "Outstanding Speaker" for her committee work. "Even though you learn lots at school, it will never be enough to compare to the treasure of learning at the Model UN.”

   To find out about MUN for the 2011-2012 school year, contact the YMCA nearest you.

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With branches in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Simi Valley, the Southeast Ventura County YMCA serves the communities of Newbury Park, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Rosa Valley, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park.