The Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad’s second edition of the Model United Nations was a simulation that resonated with zest and passion. It enabled students of the Academy to form a transformative and a communicative mindset and inspired sincere exploration within the students – as individuals in a pluralistic community dealing with an assortment of issues of global importance.

The simulation opened with an aesthetic dance performance showcasing culture that exists in great depth, as well as having Birad Yajnik speaking about global citizenship and leadership. The opening ceremony was followed by the first session of this simulation which consisted of students prepared for heavy debate.

The first session was preliminary and introduced the agendas and topics of debate of each committee to all the delegates. DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee) was engaged in debating over the international intervention in Civil Wars; ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) debated over the impact of science, innovation and technology in achieving the millennium development goals; the JCC (Joint Crisis Committee) went back into history and debated over issues concerning World War II; and lastly, we had the Press Corps which interacted with each committee and their delegates of the conference, and got intensely rooted in the simulation, in order to provide for a very holistic experience of the whole event that took place.

The second day still carried on with the same passion and enthusiasm. The second session started off with a morning crisis update, which proved to be quite a surprise to all the delegates. However, the debates in each committee over the crisis initiated slowly, and later escalated into deeper and effective discussions. The Press were involved in initiating Crisis in each committee which proved to be operative as it provoked heavy debates and discussions, further on the day. The second day proved to be an ecstatic and progressive one as it stimulated every mind, which resulted in exciting preparations for resolutions for the last day. The Delegate Dance was of course one of the highlights of the second day of the simulation.

Eventually came the final day of the simulation. The day proved to be brief but tense as delegates of each committee had to come up with effective resolutions according to their agendas. Every committee except for JCC (as it was historical) and DISEC succeeded in coming up with resolutions. Although DISEC failed to pass a resolution, it still instilled the sense of intrigue, passion and enthusiasm to overcome problems that are faced on the surface of the planet – each day and every moment.

After having come up with a variety of resolutions, the time for closing the simulation had come. This time was much awaited by the delegates as it was also an award ceremony. Titles such as “Best Delegate”, “Outstanding Delegate”, “Best Photographer” and “Best Reporter” echoed the halls of the venue wherein the ceremony took place. After having a hearing of speeches of inspiration and accomplishment by the Security General and the Executive Board, as well as teachers and staff who functioned as a backbone to the simulation; and watching proud delegates walking towards their much deserving awards, came the time of saying a proud goodbye to the Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad’s second edition of the Model United Nations conference. Now awaits the third edition which shall happen in Fall, 2015.

By Akanksha Dev

Residential life at the Academy complements and extends the academic experience. The residential programme includes a broad selection of activities and leadership opportunities to enhance students’ learning and growth.

The Academy's residential programme officially opened in April 2009. Our student residences have been designed to accommodate students and dorm parents, who are teachers who have been chosen carefully and trained to live in the faculty apartments in the student residences. 

Up to four students share a room. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and large windows. Facilities include a student lounge with a breathtaking view out to sea and a large-screen television along with laundry facilities.

The Commons building houses the dining hall and an array of spaces for school activities. It is the hub of student activity and serves as the main space for major school functions, including music and drama performances and public lectures.

“The tour of the residential facility gave me a great sense of fulfillment,” said Bernard Dudi, a teacher and dorm parent. “I appreciate the amount of planning and resources and the thoroughness of the execution.”        

Learning beyond the classroom

The culture of the Academy is based on respect, integrity, honesty, fairness, empathy and good humour. Our students, teachers and administrative staff create and sustain this positive learning environment.

The experience of our pluralistic learning community is especially rich for students in residence given the constant interactions among students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.

The focus of the residential programme is on students’ intellectual, social, spiritual and physical growth in a structured and ethical environment. In the words of Aziz Batada, a former dorm parent, “The residential experience allows the typical school day – where the vision of the Aga Khan Academy is continuously being lived – to be extended, and education itself is seen as a part of every moment of an individual's life.”