Ballarat High School Newsletter

Speaking Up in Japanese at the UN!

Ballarat Students Take Part in 2025 Model United Nations

 

On Wednesday 30th July, Ballarat High School’s VCE Japanese class travelled to Melbourne to take part in a truly unique opportunity: the Model United Nations (Model UN) in Japanese. Held at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership in North Melbourne, this was no ordinary school excursion.

 

Hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia (Victorian Division) and supported by the Department of Education Languages Unit, this immersive event brought together students from across Victoria to debate a pressing global issue—all in Japanese.

 

This year’s Model UN theme was: 「私たちの声を聞いてください」 

— Hear Our Voice: Recognising the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

 

Representing various UN member states, Ballarat students were tasked with researching their assigned country’s stance on Indigenous rights, crafting formal position statements, and negotiating amendments to a shared draft resolution.

 

Our students stepped into their diplomatic roles with confidence and composure:

  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    • Jess Tumohe
    • Irene Chatterjee
    • Lucie Mallinson
  • Plurinational State of Bolivia
    • Lucas Carson
    • John Dalen
    • Ned Mahar
  • Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • Kira Barbary
    • Skye Ware

    • Muheeb Parveen

       

Each team prepared and delivered a 3-minute position statement entirely in Japanese, then actively participated in caucus debates, alliance negotiations and amendment drafting.  A full day of diplomacy, entirely in a second language.

 

This was only the second Model UN ever conducted in Japanese in Australia and with 16 schools attending, the conference was filled to capacity. The Ballarat students not only impressed with their language skills, but also demonstrated deep critical thinking, cultural awareness and teamwork under pressure.

 

Experiences like these showcase the power of language learning beyond the classroom. It’s not just about vocabulary and grammar, it’s about becoming a global citizen.

おつかれさまでした！I am incredibly proud of all nine delegates. You represented your school and your countries well!

 

Mr. Simon Coles

LOTE