1995

James and Education Africa were asked by Minister of Education Prof Sibusiso Bengu to assist with the co-ordination of a high school Model UN Debating competition which formed part of the UN’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. 12 learners were chosen to accompany President Nelson Mandela to New York, and in 1997 Education Africa developed the concept of this competition further to launch the SAMUN (South African Model UN) project – a unique concept that drives social cohesion by twinning a disadvantaged school with an advantaged school to form a combined team, thus ensuring equal access and sharing of resources, team-work and co-operation. Run in partnership with UNIC – Pretoria, it is the only truly national Model UN in the world. Over 500 schools participate annually.