WATERLOO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
WCDSB Students Shine on the Global Stage at Model UN Conference in Colombia

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) continues to foster a vibrant Model United Nations (MUN) program, empowering students to engage with global issues, develop critical thinking, and hone their public speaking and negotiation skills.

This year marked a milestone for WCDSB's MUN community. While students from all five high schools actively participated in local conferences, nine exceptional students from St. David and St. Mary's took their skills to the global stage from November 1-9, 2024. They attended a prestigious MUN event in Manizales, Colombia, hosted by Colegio San Luis Gonzaga. This conference underscored WCDSB's commitment to fostering global citizenship and providing impactful experiential learning opportunities.

The students' performance was nothing short of remarkable, with six participants earning top honours:

• Raven Leach (St. David): Best Delegate
• Connor Foran (St. David): Best Speaker
• Kate McGovern (St. David): Best Opening Speech
• Zac Sharma & Jared Kiers (St. Mary's): Outstanding Delegate Recognition
• Alisson Leon-Pina (St. David): Resolutive Delegate

For the participants, the experience was transformative. Reflecting on the trip, Connor Foran shared, "Opportunities like this allow students to engage and learn on a global scale. We collaborated to address critical world issues, forging bonds not only within our Canadian team but also with our Colombian peers, who showed us incredible kindness inside and outside the conference room."

Tess McGovern highlighted the real-world connections fostered by the event: "This trip contextualized the global issues we simulate in MUN. It showed the tangible impacts of developed nations on the developing world, encouraging us to adopt a globally minded perspective in our everyday lives."

Accompanying teacher Mr. Kraehling emphasized the program's broader impact: "Traveling to Colombia was an unforgettable learning experience for our students. It broadened their perspectives, deepened their understanding of global issues, and built lifelong friendships. This opportunity not only enhanced their education but also prepared them to navigate and appreciate diverse cultures."

The trip to Colombia exemplifies WCDSB's dedication to preparing students to thrive as globally conscious citizens. The students' outstanding achievements and the profound insights they gained reflect their passion, talent, and determination. We are incredibly proud of how they represented our community on the international stage.

This experience will enrich their education and inspire them to make meaningful contributions. We look forward to seeing what they achieve as future leaders.