Michelle Rhee at the Closing Ceremony of the Model OAS for High Schools

The Chancellor of the District of Columbia's Public Schools, Michelle Rhee, participated together with the Organization of American States (OAS) Director of External Relations, Irene Klinger, over the weekend at the closing ceremony of the 26th Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS) for High Schools.

(Media-Newswire.com) - The Chancellor of the District of Columbia’s Public Schools, Michelle Rhee, participated together with the Organization of American States ( OAS ) Director of External Relations, Irene Klinger, over the weekend at the closing ceremony of the 26th Model OAS General Assembly ( MOAS ) for High Schools.

In her message, Rhee talked about her plans for reorganizing and streamlining the public schools in the District of Columbia and how her upbringing, academic credentials and, especially, her experience in the “Teach for America” project shaped her perception about educating the youth and helping less privileged students. She also encouraged the MOAS participants to work with their communities and help those who have fewer opportunities.

The 26th MOAS was held at OAS Headquarters from November 28 to December 1st and was attended by 340 High Schools students from throughout the United States under the guidance of approximately 35 faculty advisors. The MOAS is a simulation exercise that offers the students the opportunity to experience the work of the political bodies of the Organization and to understand its impact on the political, social, and economic development of its Member States. During the MOAS the students represent each of the 34 OAS Member States and, through role-playing, defend the policies and interests of their assigned countries in topics such as democracy, human rights, integral and sustainable development, hemispheric security, civil society participation, and trade, among others

During this MOAS the students debated approximately 130 resolutions of which 67 were approved in the committees. A declaration on “Energy for Development” was also adopted, unanimously, by all the delegations attending the MOAS.

For information on the MOAS program and upcoming Models visit http://www.moas.oas.org/ or send an e-mail to dermoas@oas.org.