Teams representing Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and the USA, comprising members and guests, and supported by the President of the local Junta de Freguesia de Armação de Pêra, were presented with a crisis scenario based on last year's Iberian power outage.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: RC Silves;

The crisis was launched via a short movie produced by the pupils. Members were forced to respond as their designated countries might. Presenting resolutions, taking questions from the floor and voting on outcomes. Pupils served as advisers on protocols and helped draft resolutions.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: RC Silves;

President Pam Winn said, “How proud she was of the pupils as they had provided members with an unforgettable experience, and an understanding of how the Model United Nations works.” Just a few members' comments:

“A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging event led by a group of students demonstrating leadership, teamwork, Communication skills, including giving presentations, effective listening, problem-solving, and decision-making. The students put in significant effort into their preparations, demonstrating their organisational skills. All this was delivered in a professional manner. The confidence and enthusiasm shown by the young students were inspiring and infectious.”

“The entire event was in English, which is not the first language of the students. It was clear to all present how the event boosted the students’ confidence.”

“We all came away from the MUN event bristling with ideas about preparing for a blackout, perhaps not, however, the suggestion about carrier pigeons & bicycle dynamos!!!”

We look forward to sending two teams next year!

If you would like to know more about Silves Rotary Club and our work in the community, please visit our website www.silvesrotaryclub.org or contact us at MOC.silvesrotaryclub@gmail.com