By Joon Alibhai, MUN Delegate from the International School of Tanganyika
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Our passport to understanding the complex world that we are part of – education – may be readily available for some. However, for others, it is a dream that almost never comes true. Due to the lack of opportunities for education, trying to navigate through this slippery world is a grueling, perplexing, and simply tragic reality for many. A basic human right is being denied to millions of children around the world, and despite the recent efforts for gender equality, over half of the children not in school are girls. According to UNESCO, over 31 million girls are not attending school, and the impact this has on their futures is extremely unfortunate.
Fortunately, educational pursuits such as Model United Nations (MUN) have successfully been able to foster youth leadership. Worldwide, devoted MUNers are establishing life-changing projects for the betterment of the world. One example of this can be found in the International School of Tanganyika, in Tanzania. Fund A Child (FAC) is an initiative started by a few students through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program with the aim of fully sponsoring education for underprivileged girls in the local area of Dar-Es-Salaam.
Head of Marketing for FAC, Vijay Krishnan explained that, “the self-sustaining service activity that works hand in hand with a local beneficiary, CHIPUA, has managed to donate money for the completion of secondary education of 7 girls (including textbooks, any needed stationary, tables and chairs) through sponsors and fundraisers.” Project president Veer Visaria said that “MUN has given me insight on pressing global issues, and taught me how to diplomatically lead a group of inspired young delegates.” This year the service group has raised $4000 from two fundraising activities, and now sponsor an additional six girls for education.
This #MUNIMPACT story demonstrates how much of a butterfly effect MUN really has outside of the conference’s annual bubble. Students like Visaria are continuously channeling their passion to create a better world, and THIMUN is helping them find their voice.