More than 60 middle school students from five schools will gain a new awareness of the world and international affairs on March 5-6, as they gather at Troy University for the Southeast Alabama Model United Nations Assembly (SAMUN).

The event is hosted by the Southeast Alabama Regional Inservice Center, which is located at Troy University, and funding is provided from the Wiregrass Writing Project.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience the United Nations first-hand as they are divided into delegations representing Brazil, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Guatemala, Jordan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Ukraine and Venezuela.

“We are estimating 65 students, 10 advisors, and six judges will participate this year,” said Faye Allen program coordinator.  “On the last day, two to three of international students from Troy University will talk to the delegates about their country.”

Through the program, students have the opportunity to build communication and consensus-building skills, develop insight into the relationships of the United States and other nations, gain knowledge of other cultures and history of other nations, build self-confidence and teamwork skills and develop friendships with students from other schools and communities.

Participating in this year’s assembly will be teams of students from Brewton Middle School, Dothan Preparatory Academy, Houston Academy, Thurgood Marshall Middle School and Pleasant Home School. 

The Southeast Alabama Regional Inservice Center is one of a network of 11 such centers in Alabama designed to enhance the training of school personnel. SEARIC serves nearly 5,600 teachers in 21 school systems.

For additional information about the program, contract Dr. Robin Bynum, director of the Southeast Alabama Regional Inservice Center, at 334-670-5978 or rbynum@troy.edu.