A group of Frederick Community College (FCC) students and their faculty advisor recently traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the 2024 International Model African Union Conference, sponsored by Howard University.
 
The Model represents a long-standing tradition of experiential learning, running for 44 years under various names. Each participating college or university represents one or more Member States of the African Union.
 
Preparation for the Model began in September 2023. FCC students Larissa Ahanogbe, Jessica Bransome, Maimouna Diouf, Allison Rhea, and Zoe Theologou met with faculty advisor Dr. Lauren Lippiello, FCC Assistant Professor of History and Global Studies, for one hour each week to study all aspects of the country of Tunisia. During the winter break, students prepared resolutions to be presented and debated at the Model.
 
“By participating in the Model, students gain first hand experience in the language of diplomacy and rules of debate as well as an intimate knowledge of political, economic, and social factors that influence African Union policy,” said Dr. Lippiello. “The diplomatic process is not easy, but the Model teaches perseverance and camaraderie. Student participants are on the path to becoming the next generation of diplomats.”
 
The Model begins with an embassy visit to the country that the college is representing. FCC students, faculty, and staff visited the Tunisian Embassy where the First Secretary of Tunisia, Ezzaier Mohamed Nidhal, generously spent time briefing FCC students. After the inaugural address at Howard University, FCC students were able to talk with keynote speaker Lieutenant General Yakuba A Drammeh (Rtd) of Gambia.
 
At the Model, students engaged in the language of diplomacy, advocating on behalf of Tunisia towards the achievement of the African Union Agenda 2063. Next year’s team will represent Senegal, and Dr. Lippiello has been asked to lead the Secretariat, which is the logistical entity responsible for a quality simulation of the African Union.
 
For more information about the Model African Union, please contact faculty advisor Dr. Lauren Lippiello at [email protected].