Five members of Poughkeepsie High School’s Debate Club spent Dec. 13 at Vassar College discussing and arguing complex issues and possible solutions relating to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. While there, they also built confidence interacting with peers from other school districts, and understanding how to look at conflicts from multiple points of view.

The students were among dozens that took part in the 2024 BOCES Dutchess County High School Model UN. Poughkeepsie was one of seven county schools participating in the event. Each student served as a delegate for the nations of the world, working in groups for more than three hours.

“Our scholars learn to think critically about complex problems we face globally, and they persevere through collaboration to develop solutions that may hold promise for a better world,” said Poughkeepsie Debate Club Adviser and social studies teacher Sankung Susso. “The issues that our students were tasked with are difficult even for adults, hence why we have so much global conflict. Therefore, watching them learn from this experience and to be part of the process was amazing.”

Dr. Matthew Murray, assistant professor of government at Dutchess Community College, spoke as the secretary general to open the Model UN, updating everyone on the recent happenings since the Model UN paperwork was distributed to the schools. This included Israel’s violations of its ceasefire with Hezbollah and the Syrian dictator being overthrown.

“There is nothing else like it in our area,” said Murray of the Model UN. “It’s a great opportunity for students and one of those enrichment opportunities that’s stuck around. It allows students from different campuses to come together for a short, intense experience.”

All five members of Poughkeepsie’s delegation, Ariel Diaz, Markyah-Sade Johnson, Daquan Smith, Amyah Thompson and Christopher Webb – were sophomores, and three had never participated in a Model UN before. That made for nerves, Susso said, but their confidence grew as the day moved on.

Learning to communicate with people of different points of view – and to argue on behalf of your assigned country – are two important lessons students learn, he said.

“As a representative of their various countries, they have to learn to put aside their personal beliefs and represent their country to the best of their ability,” Susso said. “We spent a lot of time practicing the art of negotiations and diplomacy, and I believe that’s a skill they will benefit from now and in the future.”

Cara Braun, professional development specialist in educational resources at Dutchess BOCES, shared what she hoped students gained from this experience. “I hope in terms of working with other districts they really get a better sense of cooperative learning, how to negotiate and compromise with people,” she said, noting the students received experience in “public speaking and all those life skills they’re going to need.”