HANF0ORD School at Child Okeford was invited to send delegates to a Mini Model United Nations (MUN) event at Bryanston School.
The MUN is a ‘school version’ of the United Nations and six girls in three teams of delegates from Hanford joined the event. The Hanford delegation represented Ireland.

Arabella and Jessica in the upper sixth sat on the UN Human Rights Council discussing press freedom; Sachini and Emily in the lower sixth were members of the UN Environment Committee discussing sustainable energy; and Vivian and Aliza from fifth form joined the World Food Programme where discussions centred around food insecurity.

Sachini and Emily’s resolution was chosen for debate by their committee – the resolution went on to be passed and the two girls were awarded ‘Best Delegation’ status and given medals as prize winners.
Head of History Mrs Northey worked with the girls ahead of the MUN to help them prepare for the day, discussing and researching the topics that were going to be debated and coming up with possible resolutions they could put forward.

Sachini said: “I was nervous getting ready for the day but when we arrived that all disappeared. I enjoyed the teamwork, forming alliances with delegates from other schools.
“We had to be very quick thinking as the topics changed a lot and we had to be able to argue without getting angry!”
Freya, a GAP matron who accompanied the girls, along with Mrs Northey, said: “I was so impressed with their preparation and their performance on the day. They all worked super hard and expressed their opinions clearly.”
Model United Nations (MUN) simulations are popular exercises for those interested in learning more about the UN.
Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide participate every year in MUN at all educational levels – from primary school to university.

Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts participated in MUN as students.
Hanford is a boarding and day prep school for girls aged seven-13.