Greenside High School participated in a Model United Nations debate hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).
The debate was held at the Sharpeville library to commemorate Human Rights Day on 23 March.
The premise of the debate was that each school participating, represented a country which had signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at a conference held by the United Nations 70 years ago.
The debaters were to form a model version of the United Nations Human Rights Council and debate with each other in accordance with how their countries had implemented the declaration over the past 70 years.
Greenside school principal Nicola Whyte said, “Although the venue was without electricity for the morning, the students and audience alike really enjoyed themselves.”
Representing both Syria and the United States of America, Greenside High School won bronze for Best Delegation (Team USA) and received a trophy as well as a R500 book voucher per participant.
Team Syria consisted of Grade 10s Yaaseen Hassim, Aatikah Sheikh and Wasim Waja, with Team USA consisting of Zaheer Sooliman, Faatima Areff and Terique Carim.
Whyte added, “We congratulate all the award winners and future politicians who took part in the debate, and thank the organisers for yet another successful event.
“Greenside High takes part in SAIIA’s Model UN programme every year, which consists of several debates scheduled throughout the year.”
Since 1994, SAIIA has been running a Model United Nations programme with more than 150 schools participating annually.
For more information about this programme, please visit www.saiia.org.za
