They thanked Narooma Rotary for giving them such a special opportunity. 

Molly Wharfe, Jesse Hawke and Chris Read also loved being in Old Parliament House for MUNA where they met some great Rotarians and students from the ACT and across South East NSW.

“MUNA simulates the United Nations Assembly with teams from each school representing a different nation,” Narooma Rotary youth director Lynda Ord said.

Narooma represented Brazil, Moruya Japan, Batemans Bay India, St. Peters Jordan, and Carroll College Argentina.

“Over the weekend, the students all debated resolutions relating to Syria, stolen artefacts and refugees from their given country’s perspective,” Ms Ord said.

“They had to do a fair bit of research beforehand to try to familiarise themselves with Brazil’s history, politics, economics and particular stance on world affairs.”

Chris Read said it was daunting to try and summarise what he had gained from the experience; it was “huge”.

Jesse Hawke said MUNA had increased his understanding of both the United Nations and current affairs.

He thought old Parliament House was “pretty cool” and thought it was great to be able to sit and talk with so many people.

Molly Wharfe was surprised that Narooma was the only Year 12 team competing; the other teams were from Years 10 and 11. 

She felt their preparation was possibly compromised because it coincided with Year 12 trials.

“Many teams were really well prepared, some even had practice debates in the lead up,” she said. “For some it was their second year at MUNA.”

Narooma High teacher Sue Fahey said the whole experience had been very impressive and she was delighted with the performance of Narooma’s team.

Ms Ord said this was the first time Narooma had fielded a team and congratulated the students for their courage and maturity in working through such a challenging but rewarding experience.

MUNA is sponsored by the Australian National University as well as Rotary.