DAMMAM — The 5th Peevees United Nations Simulation Conference hosted by Al Khozama International School, Dammam, witnessed a marvelous session that resembled the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Chief Guest Ian Winter (head of training and development British Aerospace Engineering System, Technical Training Studies, Saudi Arabia) officially opened the session. Addressing the young delegates and the gathering, he said, “It’s a unique step together for tomorrow.” He urged the future delegates to be considerate, confident and a great support to humanitarian values. Principal of the host school Gopinath Menon welcomed the chief guest, dignitaries and the visitors.
Peevees United Nations Simulation Conference is an academic competition in which students learn diplomacy, importance ofinternational relations and togetherness. The conference is aimed at improving skills such as planning, researching, reasoning, critical thinking, public speaking, “Debate”debating, drafting, teamwork and leadership qualities. This helps them grow intellectually and develop skills in the areas of writing, critical thinking, public speaking, research, persuasion and leadership.
The main objectives of this program are to: develop awareness about international issues and problems; educate children about international organizations, particularly the UN and its allied agencies; develop the much required critical thinking and analytical skills; and foster a learning process for all “delegates” involved.
Guests of Honor P.V. Hameed, executive director, Peevees Sons Limited India, A.M. Ashraf, general manager, Peevees Group of Schools and Mrs. Sreedevi Menon, assistant director programs, Peevees Group of Schools, spoke about the relevance of UNSC and the need of world leaders who could be really considerate. “The world is not in peace, but in pieces,” quipped Mrs. Sreedevi.
The delegates from three different zones of Saudi Arabia had challenging preliminary rounds in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah before emerging to the final arena in Dammam hosted by Al Khozama International School Dammam.
Program Co-Coordinator Mrs. Parveen Banu presented the topics for the sessions of the General Assembly and Security Council. She explained the proceedings of the conference and introduced the Delegate Nations. There were 11 countries represented by various schools from Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.
Sooraj R. Thambi chaired the General Assembly. The motion discussed in the conference was ‘Refugee Crisis and their Resettlement’. Linda Alex chaired the Security Council. During the session ‘International trafficking of drugs and narcotics and its mitigation through international cooperation’ was debated. In the General Assembly, the roles of Secretary and rapporteur were played by Avi G. Metha and Shamila Shameem respectively. In the Security Council Thimothi Biju held the role of Secretary and Andreen Jamal the role of rapporteur.
Efforts of the teachers in grooming the delegates were commendable. They guided the students in doing research, country assignments, position papers, debate, caucus, observing rules of procedure and resolutions. Certificates and awards were distributed by the chief guest to overall winners.
Al Khozama International School Dammam, Boys (Tunisia) bagged the overall trophy while New Al Wurood International School Boys (Argentina) secured the second place. Third place was shared by Al Yasmin International School Riyadh Boys (Japan) and Jabal Al Farsan School, Girls, Jeddah (Denmark). The Best Speakers certificates and trophies were awarded to Sunny Kevin John General Assembly (New Al Wurood Intl School — Argentina); Shahas Security Council (Al Khozama Int’l. School – Tunisia); B.K. Chaitanya (Al Khozama Int’l School — Tunisia) positioned second in General Assembly; Ashna Nisar (Al Khozama Intl. School – Russia) in Security Council. Third place was awarded to Prasanth George (Al Yasmin Intl. School — Japan) and Kashish Ali (Jab Al Farzan Intl. School — Denmark) in General Assembly and Security Council respectively.
The best delegate awards were bagged by B.K. Chaitanya, (first position), Sunny Kevin John (second position); Prasanth (third position ) in General Assembly. In the Security Council Shahas (first place); Sajitha Shyam, Kashish Ali (shared second place) and Ashna Nisar (third place) bagged the prizes.
The special award for the Emerging Team was won by International Indian School Dammam (Romania)
Razi Shaik Pareeth, deputy group manager- Peevees Groups of Schools, K. Rahmathullah, principal Al Yasmin International School — Riyadh, Haneef, Modern International School, Riyadh were also present at the mock session. Ms. Shimi Sibi, principal Al Khozama Girls extended the vote of thanks.
