Going Global
Education for Global Citizenship is the concept of raising awareness of global issues and a values-based education. Students in schools are taught about topics pertaining to education, Climate Change, Gender Equality, etc. and are empowered to make a difference in society. Peace, tolerance, non-discrimination, and empathy are integrated in school curricula. The fourth Sustainable Development Goal, Quality Education, includes target, 4.7, that pertains to education for global citizenship. It states “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.”
Education for global citizenship includes social responsibility as it motivates students make an impact in society. The South Korean government has been advocate for education for global citizenship by including concepts of democratisation, diversity, and creativity in its national curricula. Developing of a curriculum where integrating the concept of diversity and exposure to global issues will create a sense of belonging to the international community and to illustrate the similarities among people. The 66th United Nations Department of Public Information/Non-government Organisation conference was held in Gyeongju, South Korea on 30 May-1 June 2016 and focused on Education for Global Citizenship. Some of them youth delegates, including myself had the privilege and opportunity of working on drafting the Gyeongju Youth Declaration which states the participants’ dedication to implementing education for global citizenship.
I had the opportunity of volunteering with one non-government organisation known as Nachiketa Tapovan in my hometown in Hyderabad, India, which focuses on educating underprivileged children. The NGO operates a school from lower kindergarten (pre-kindergarten) to eighth standard and has a spiritual focus in their curriculum. All students meditate in the morning, which enables them to have a calm disposition and to concentrate on their studies. It provides the spiritual support for students to overcome obstacles in life and develop values of tolerance and compassion. During my volunteer experience, I worked with kindergarten students, primarily with one student who needed extra assistance in mathematics and the Latin alphabet. Furthermore, the students make arts and crafts which are sold to raise profits for the school to support their programmes. While I was volunteering, I helped paint lamps made for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which were made by the children. The students are taught to be global citizens from a young age and to give back to society in order to make an impact. When interacting with the students, many of them expressed their aspirations of becoming a doctor, teacher, and helping to improve society. Many of them are pursuing higher education and have been exposed to a plethora of opportunities they may not have had if they did not study at the school. Nachiketa Tapovan is a visionary school and I cherish the memories from my volunteer experience. The students will make positive contributions to society.
I would like to raise more awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals in the community where I live and in other countries through workshops and innovate methods. Through awareness of the issues facing society, many people will be motivated to take action. One project I am currently involved with colleagues is building a school using PET bottles and fish nets in Bhaktapur, Nepal after the earthquake in 2015 through the collaboration of NGOs in India, Nepal, and the United States of America. I look forward to collaborating with the participants of UNLEASH to exchange ideas and work on the theme of education for global citizenship is crucial in order to make a positive impact on society. As American anthropologist Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, com’mitted citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.


