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Santee Education Complex to Participate in Global Debates on Climate Change

SANTEE EDUCATION COMPLEX will host two public debates on this critical topic, April 16, at 10:00 am and 1:45 pm in the school Auditorium. Teams of two will argue each side of the debate topic which challenges students to take a stand on the following: "Annex I Countries of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) should provide significantly increased aid to developing countries for the specific purpose of climate change adaptation." There will be two debates held in order to allow for the debate to be held before at least 80% of the student body. Debates will be videotaped and submitted to the United Nations Foundation. The Santee High Debate Team has won the debate competition two years in a row. Past speakers have included Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Congressman Xavier Becerra. This year, Mayor Villaraigosa is invited, as well as LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia, LA City Council Member Jan Perry, and activists from local environmental groups.

"Students at Santee Education Complex are coming up with creative approaches to combat some of the world's biggest problems," said Kaitlin Barry, Campus Outreach Director with the United Nations Foundation. "In order to tackle deep-rooted issues such as poverty and climate change, we need to look at them from every angle-the fresh perspective that each school brings is tremendously valuable. We look forward to the actions each student takes to implement real change in their communities."

As a result of their participation in the Global Debates, Santee Education Complex will be highlighted throughout the UN Foundation website and be eligible to win prizes that include a $2,000 UN Foundation school grant and a trip to the Open Society Institute's Youth Forum in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND

Since their inception, the UN Foundation Global Debates have been held in more than 90 countries. From Moldova and South Africa to Los Angeles and Mississippi, this program continues to grow, educating and activating new communities of students and teachers from around the world. As Ambassador Susan Rice and other UN leaders remind us, young people are ready to serve and take action. By engaging students and their teachers on issues of poverty reduction, global health, climate change and more, the UN Foundation is inspiring young people to be a positive force for change in the world. More information is available online at http://www.unfoundation.org/our-impact/engaging-youth/the-global-debates.html

The United Nations Foundation is an advocate for the UN and a platform for connecting people, ideas, and resources to help the United Nations solve global problems. www.UNFoundation.org

UPCOMING EVENTS (for additional information contact one of the coaches below)

Santee Education Complex
Nick Richert, English Teacher, Debate Advisor
310-428-4222
nwr2990@lausd.net
or
Amber Young, Math Teacher, Debate Advisor
310-256-6267
amber.young@lausd.net