-Aastha Rijal
We sat down for an interview with the founder of RBS MUN Miss Milan Dixit, the principal of Rato Bangala School. A few questions we had asked along with their answers are listed below:
What inspired you to commence MUN in Rato Bangala?
Knowing the Model UN curriculum developed by the United Nations, we had already made this a part of our curriculum during the first and second year of the school opening. We had always wanted to host a MUN but the kids had to grow up and we also had to be more prepared so ultimately in 2005 we got the chance to do so.
Why do you think MUN is beneficial for the students?
Firstly, students learn how to work as a team, collaborate, negotiate and understand different perspectives. Secondly, they learn to appreciate other people’s ideas. Adding on, students also learn the basics of research and public speaking. They improve critical thinking and communication, two skills that are extremely necessary for one’s holistic development. Furthermore, students also become aware of the issues occurring around the world and how it affects them and their country.
Why does RBS give so much emphasis to MUN?
It is such a wonderful curriculum and the obvious reasons why we do an MUN are known by all. But the hidden curriculum behind MUN is very strong.
Did you have any similar MUN experiences in your past?
Not at all. Not in our schools. If I talk to you frankly, in the schools we attended we were not allowed to speak. We’d just listen, so our listening skills are very good! I had studied at a university in the US and during the first semester due to lack of experience it was very hard to participate. I thought people were smart because they spoke. But then I realized “I’m a straight A student why don’t I speak?” after this it took a while to gain confidence but I started speaking up. Being in a US university included a lot of interaction and that made me speak up.
Question: If you were part of the MUN which committee would you want to be a part of?
Answer: I don’t know! I get this question every year. But if I had to choose, I really find the Security Council very inspiring and current and would want to be a part of it.
Question: How would you think MUN is different here than in other schools?
Answer: One difference that I’ve observed is, in most schools even in schools that are very experienced in MUN have a MUN club with only a few 30 passionate students participating, following up and being groomed. Here, everybody knows how to participate well in MUNs. The other difference which Im proud to announce is that RBSMUN is very student run and independent.I can’t really judge other schools though because I don’t know how they organize MUN conferences
Question: Do you think there could be any other simulations like RBSMUN that you would recommend in the future?
Answer: Parliament and court simulation could be really good !
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