MODEL ARAB LEAGUE OFFERs HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT ISSUES FACING ARAB LEAGUE NATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Over 160 high school students from Wisconsin, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas will assume the role of Arab diplomats when they participate in the sixth annual South Central States Model Arab League program on the University of Arkansas campus March 2-3.

High school advisors, faculty, and university volunteers will work with students from participating schools, which will choose one of the 22 member-states of the Arab League to represent. Delegations prepare draft resolutions and through debate and discussion, work toward consensus on political, social, and economic affairs, security issues, and Palestinian affairs.

"The Model Arab League helps students practice leadership and diplomatic skills as well as develop critical thinking, writing, and public speaking skills while they learn more about the Arab League countries," said Dr. Mounir Farah, Director of Outreach and Associate Director of the King Fahd Middle East Studies Program in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations in Washington, D.C., began the Model Arab League program in 1984 as a leadership development program for university students. The Council currently sponsors 12 university leagues and 7 high school leagues nationwide.

The two-day program is sponsored by the King Fahd Middle East Studies Program at the U of A, the League of Arab States Information Center in Washington, D.C. and the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations in Washington, D.C.

This year, former high school participants now attending the U of A will represent the United Arab Emirates at the National Model Arab League, the national competition for university students scheduled for April 1-4 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.