Global Montessori
Montessori Model United Nations
October 2007
Montessori continues to be recognized globally as a leading approach to education. Recently the King of Morocco dedicated its first After School Learning Center, which features after school learning activities based on a Montessori curriculum. Located in the nation's capital of Rabat, this is the first of multiple centers planned by Morocco. The centers are being built with the support of the government and grants by the World's Sports Alliance. The WSA is supporting the development of learning centers throughout the developing world, each centered on sports as a learning activity and each utilizing Montessori as the foundation for the children's education. Thirteen emerging nations have signed development agreements with the WSA to fund Montessori based sports learning after school centers in their country.
Closer to home in North America, the City of Newark is working with the WSA to develop a similar center, and construction is slated to begin in 2008.
The curriculum for these programs was developed by the Montessori Initiative for WSA in association with Montessori educators.
Continuing with a global approach, the Montessori Model UN continues to grow. This year more than 100 schools from North America, Western Europe, Caribbean Basin, Latin America, South America, China and US protectorates have enrolled to participate in this prestigious program, which culminates in a student General Assembly at the United Nations.
To provide the students an authentic UN experience, this year participating
committees will be conducted in English, French and Spanish. The most recent
teacher training program was so well received that when teachers returned
from NY, they shared the program with other teachers. As a result, an additional
teacher training program has been added so that new schools can enroll to
participate in the program.
About MMUN
Montessori supported the work of the League of Nations and its successor the United Nations as a forum where peace could be created. She recognized the hope for peace lay in the education of children.
The Montessori Initiative has partnered with the United Nations to create a Montessori Model United Nations so that students at the sensitive period for reason, justice and morality can participate in a life changing experience.
The Montessori Model United Nations program culminates classroom or after school study with a two day global education simulation experience at the United Nations that enables students in upper elementary, and middle schools to learn about the operations of the United Nations and its role as the world's largest international peacekeeping and humanitarian organization. In addition, like the high school and university Model United Nations
Through the process of role-playing, each student becomes a delegate of a selected nation. They write, present and debate issues affecting their nation and peoples of the world. By assuming the character of a citizen of their selected country they fully develop an understanding of the needs of a people and the importance of accepting differences.
For more information visit www.montessori-mun.org.
