Shahid Mahdavi Teachers Become More Familiar with the United Nations

United Nations Information Centre in Tehran and Shahid Mahdavi International School held a joint workshop entitled, “Introducing the UN system in general and the UN in Iran” for some 12 teachers at Shahid Mahdavi International School in Tehran on 10 June 2015, AVA Diplomatic reports.

Ms. Mahdavi, Principal of the school said: “We really appreciate beginning cooperation with the UN, we wish our students to learn more about UN and world around. At Shahid Mahdavi International School (SMIS) every child is supported while learning and growing—academically, physically, socially, and emotionally. By carefully assessing student development, planning with individuals in mind, and differentiating learning opportunities, educators are able to meet student requirements.”

UNIC Reference Assistant Ms. Nazanin Ghaemmaghami-Farahani, the facilitator of the workshop introduced the UN, and its Funds, Programmes and Specialized Agencies, while comprehensively presenting the UN website and an array of useful information for participants.

The workshop began by Ms. Ghaemmaghami explaining about the history of the United Nations and the role of Iran as a founding member, exactly 70 years ago. Teachers were informed about the different UN agencies in Iran. Next, in order for teachers to understand how to gain access to online UN public information, Ms. Ghaemmaghami thoroughly navigated through the bilingual UNIC Tehran website.

As teachers were guided through the website, they found an abundance of resources and teaching material, such as the Persian translation of the booklet “Everything you always wanted to know about the United Nations” suitable for both educators and students.

During this workshop, Ms. Ghaemmaghami spoke to teachers about Model United Nations. Model UN is an educational simulation and/or academic competition in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations.

 “We, teachers learned about the requirements and advantages of employing such a programme in the classroom. Model UN involves and teaches research, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities. All of these qualities are attributes that students strive to achieve while teachers attempt to provide the platform for the development of youth, our future decision makers,” said Ms. Roshanack Azemi.

Lastly, teachers were directed to the United Nations observances . These international days are observed throughout the world. Educators were encouraged to look through these internationally recognized days and incorporate them in their lesson plans.

 “While most teachers regularly employ international lesson plans, by accessing United Nations materials and observing such occasions, a sentiment of solidarity and international-mindedness can be both felt and expressed in this multi-cultural learning environment,” added Ms. Azemi.

At the end of the workshop it was unanimously agreed upon that cooperation between the United Nations in Tehran and Shahid Mahdavi International School would be greatly beneficial both for educators and learners of all ages.

Shahid Mahdavi International School is an International Baccalaureate Primary and Middle Years Program Educational Complex located in Zaferanieh, Tehran.