MUN
Fact: MUN
Some of our students took part in an MUN Conference in Nairobi a couple weeks ago. Model United Nations, also known as MUN, is an educational simulation in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. MUN involves and teaches participants researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities. I thought I would share a few thoughts from the staff member that leads our MUN students at RVA.
“We took seventeen students to the United Nations Headquarters last week in Nairobi where they had the opportunity to discuss resolutions that had been submitted, debate global issues, and think of real solutions to issues that they see. There were 1,200 students present from 71 schools that came from 9 different countries.
Our students shone brightly for RVA and for the gospel. I had many teachers from other schools comment that our students did an incredible job of speaking for resolutions and trying to amend things to make them better instead of simply tearing them down. I also had teachers comment on how respectful and kind our students were. A few were baffled by how united they seemed- all sitting together and looking out for each other, and it gave me a unique platform to share why RVA exists and the gospel truth that drives us.
It wasn’t simply the character of our students that shown brightly, but they were celebrated for their excellence in speaking and writing resolutions. We received five Best Speaker awards and two Best Resolution awards. In addition to that, we had four students who were Junior Chairs-the students helping run the debate in each committee room and one Senior Chair – a student placed in highest authority over a committee room for the week. Our highest honor was having one of our female students named as the Secretary General for next year. That means out of the 1,200 students present, she was chosen as the number one student to guide the leadership in preparing for and planning the Conference for next year. It is a HUGE honor!
In the past, the Conference has been simply practicing research, writing and debate skills to take these students into their future. However, there is a new initiative that raises money and creates a plan of action for tackling some of the issues that students struggle with. One of our students presented a resolution that partnered a doctor at Kijabe Hospital with a school in Northern Kenya. The initiative passed, received actual funding, and the student received recognition as the Best Speaker in his committee for his research and presentation. He spent hours of his own time trying to find a workable solution and he was successful! The Conference has grown so that real change is taking place in addition to the skills the students come away with from this powerful experience. “
Family
- We praise God for the rain we’ve been getting after a long period of dryness. Our Kenyan friends don’t just appreciate the rain – they depend on it for life!
- Last week Lilli and the other nurses were swamped in Student Health with various kinds of sickness. At one point the beds were completely full. Pray for the health of our campus and strength for our Student Health staff.
- Pray for Lydia and her family. She’s a local Kenyan we were helping raise funds so that her daughter (in her 20’s) could have heart valve replacement. She was so close to having the surgery, but unfortunately passed away last week. Her mother, Lydia is a Christian. Her father is a deadbeat. Pray that God would provide the finances to release the body for the funeral and that He would awaken faith in the father.
- All juniors and seniors leave for a week-long Interim next Thursday. Please pray for good health for the kids and staff, and safe travels for all those going on Interim trips. Tiana gets to go to Zanzibar, Tanzania!!
- There’s a weariness on campus (besides all the sickness). Please pray for God’s strength and endurance for staff and students.
Photos (or Video)
This is a video from this morning’s flag raising. We sing the Kenyan National Anthem in both Swahili and English. I missed the Swahili this morning!