Participant Comments

Selection of Comments From Teachers, Students and Parents

Teachers

"First of all thank-you for an amazing United Nations experience. It was truly life changing for our students. Again, you have pulled off something truly remarkable that has a true impact on students in a very short time. It was a truly great experience and so well organized!  Three cheers to you! We will be back! It was worth every effort and every nickel!"

 Jody, Principal

"With Ms Li Xingpin's introduction of MMUN, your sincere help and the encouragement from the chairmen, the students from China successfully attended the 2011 MMUN conference.

MMUN is a fantastic experience for students, which encourage students to focus on the world issues at an early age, and establishes their ambitions, confidence and the spirits of cooperation as well. From the 2011 MMUN, we have seen the change of our youth and we want to find more opportunities for them to develop." 

Graham, China

"I would like to express my gratitude one more time for the amazing opportunity I had to be a part of MMUN 2011.The entire process is extremely gratifying but to actually be at the General Assembly for the final voting encourages all of us Dais members and delegates to believe that change is possible and to be a part of it is a great honor." 

Julian, Mexico

"I attended MMUN 2011 and everything changed. Seeing the children engaged in real conversations about real issues was inspiring. Seeing the teachers at the dais was inspiring. Hearing the speeches at the closing ceremonies and the presentations by students at the social event was inspiring. , I thank you for re-inspiring me as a Montessori teacher. Although the expense can be overwhelming for us, it feels as though MMUN is our goal for every year...the framework of our curriculum...the link between the written curriculum and application in the world. From the start, we agreed that we would only participate if we could link a service project to our work with MMUN. Every year, we have done just that...we raised money to build a water system for a school in Malawi; we wrote and recorded a CD, inspired by our work with MMUN, and donated all proceeds to Free the Children; we sent money to an orphanage in Ethiopia; and, this year, we raised money for the Japanese Red Cross. Every year, we made a personal connection with the country that we chose to represent. Every year, the children have beamed with humble pride, knowing that they not only learned about the culture of their chosen country but they made a real and lasting connection with children in that country." 

Michelle, Canada

"We just had our wrap up meeting this morning with our students; the overwhelming response was what a fantastic experience it was for all. The friendships and memories will last a lifetime.

Thank you and all of your team for another amazing conference we are looking forward to next year already!!!" 

Janet, Canada

"MMUN is a great Model, and it was a very fulfilling experience not only for the delegates but for me as well.  Students/delegates amaze me every year with their ideas, contributions, debates, and resolutions.  It is great to see how young adults have such a broad understanding of current world issues, and to observe the way they exchange their ideas with one another during the debates, as well as the hope and believe they put when writing their resolutions.  For them, this is an experience they will remember forever, given that they had the opportunity to interact with students from multiple countries/cultures, and to contribute to make the world a better place."

Joal, Colombia

"The UNESCO committee ran smoothly and the students were diligent and hard working. My Dais was very supportive and encouraging. This session taught me that the students have so much potential to become the change that they want to see in the world. When I recall my experiences as a delegate and my recent experience as a rapporteur, I realize that both Dais member and delegate have a lot to learn from each other. I am excited to be a part of the generation that is bringing change to the world. I hope to come back next year."

Ritvik, Dallas

"I just wanted to thank you, personally, for the wonderful experience we had this week. I took some nine year olds to MMUN for the first time this year and found that they were very engaged and interested throughout, reminding me once again, that we should never limit our expectations for Montessori children. At the same time, I also felt rejuvenated by my own experience working alongside and learning from some very competent teachers on the Secretariat. My daughter, Tara, expressed the same enthusiasm about her participation and the Dais members she worked closely with."

Michelle, Maryland

“MMUN is guaranteed to create generations of global citizens that will carry their experience throughout their lives.”

“ A fantastic experience. You work hard for your reward, but that makes the final achievement that much better.”

“This has been a life-changing experience. At first I had doubts my students could measure up to the more experienced ones, but the collaboration in caucus brought them to their full potential and each shined. They are more self-confident today than they were just 72 hours ago and can’t wait to return.”

“The children turned into leaders before my eyes. Just as important, their parents now have a better understanding of the importance of their child’s Montessori education.”

“Like my students, I too reached a higher level of my potential. I am a better teacher today thanks to the MMUN experience.”

“I had a shy student that never speaks in class, and to my amazement she emerged as the most vocal leader of her committee. Thank you for bringing us into MMUN.”

Students

“I learned that I could accomplish more than I thought I was capable of.”

“I was amazed that our mentor committee president was able to stay positive and had enough trust in us to step back and let us progress on our own.”

“I have learned that people should be defined by their potential not just by their actions.”

“I learned that my voice can be heard and that I can make a difference. Now I want to help make a difference.”

“I have changed my entire look on life and politics. Now I know that I can be heard and that what I say matters.”

“Believe in change, for yourself and those around you.”

Parents

“I wasn’t the only parent [in the gallery]weeping with pride to see their child standing up and defending their resolution.”

“My daughter used to watch E! Now she watches CNN.”

“The Parent Workshop really helped me to better understand the importance of Montessori and Model UN to my child and to the world he will inherit. Thank you for all the time and consideration you gave to us.”

“I could not believe that was my child speaking. I did not know how deep his thoughts were and how well he could speak out about the issues.”

“I was concerned that the AIDS topic was too adult for him and the other children, but the way they handled the topic was better than many adults I know.”

“My child matured during the experience, and maybe I did too thanks to the Parent Workshop.”