KOREA – From 29 July-10 August, WFUNA launched its first youth camp program in partnership with Kyung Hee University of Korea. Youth Camp: Korea was the first international camp program planned and implemented by WFUNA to teach youth about the work of the United Nations using simulative education tools such as debate and Model UN.
Eighty students participated in a four-track program tailor-made for each level including an elementary, middle school, high school, and university division. Forty-three trainers from more than 16 different countries were selected from a highly competitive application process to provide the highest level of expertise and diversity to the participants.
Training
The training was conducted by international and local trainers selected from a pool of model UN and debate experts around the world. Best Delegate and Debate Study, the two partner organizations in charge of each track, developed materials and curriculum with WFUNA to provide a new educational experience for the camp participants during the two-week program. Students enjoyed two different workshops in debate, and the model UN comprised of lectures, classroom activities and extracurricular programs.
During the first week, the training focused on building practical skillsets in public speaking and debate on the theme of Human Rights in education, family and society, and children in the work place. After a four-day workshop, students also took part in a tournament to test their skills in front of respective judges. The second week focused on using model UN as a platform to engage students on the theme of peace and security and sustainable development. Students were introduced to a new Rules of Procedures (RoP), which best reflects the practice of the UN General Assembly, and placed themselves in the shoes of diplomats to provide practical solutions to UN issues.
Apart from the main programs, each night entertained extracurricular activities prepared by staff members to build leadership and teamwork skills. Sessions included the “Shoes of Hope” exercise from a local NGO, a UCC contest on the Millennium Development Goals as well as a whole day of recreation and sporting events.