Written by Abigail Chifusa, Global Schools Project Officer
This November, the Global Schools Program (GSP) celebrates 7 outstanding Advocates whose tireless efforts have made a significant impact on promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into their schools and communities.
GSP Advocate Abha Hanspal has been instrumental in promoting sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at her school.
One of Abha's notable achievements is the establishment of the ‘SDG Changemakers,’ an SDG task force within her school. This initiative facilitated the formation of a committee comprising students and teachers eager to collaborate on advancing various SDGs. The team now takes ownership of sustainability projects both within the school and the local community.
Through the SDG Changemakers program, students lead school-wide initiatives such as workshops, waste reduction projects, recycling campaigns, and designing eco-friendly solutions. The program's impact extends beyond theoretical knowledge, allowing students to implement practical actions that foster sustainability and encourage them to become active agents of change.
Alinaitwe Derrick’s advocacy extends to his founding of the Eco-Sport initiative, which combines sports and education to foster climate awareness and develop 21st-century skills among young people. Under this program, Derrick created a girls’ and boys’ football club named Eco Warriors, with the slogan "Kicking for a Sustainable World." Through football, he teaches students about climate action, teamwork, and resilience, using sports as a motivational tool to keep students engaged in school.
The initiative also incorporates hands-on projects such as tree planting and vegetable gardening, offering practical lessons in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Derrick’s Eco-Sport program aligns with the Global Schools initiative by equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to take action toward the SDGs, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). His efforts have positively impacted over 200 students, empowering them to advocate for sustainable change in their communities.
Büşra Dursun, an IB DP Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) teacher, began her advocacy journey by introducing the SDGs into her school and classroom. She then organized students into committees such as the Community Issues Committee, Social Services Committee, and Environment Committee. These groups initiated activities like Animal Rights Day, which brought the school and community together.
In the classroom, she encouraged students to engage with the SDGs through games and projects. She also spearheaded a Sustainability Summit scheduled for November 20, 2024. The summit will feature 270 attendees, 10 exhibitions, and 18 student presentations, alongside keynote speakers from UNESCO Turkey Commission, UNITAR, and Sabancı University.
Büşra has always dreamed of being part of the Global Schools platform, and she now takes pride in living that dream.
Elisabeth Bounds has been working with the pupils and staff of The British International School of Brussels (BISB) to integrate the SDGs into the school curriculum and community life.
Alongside the School Council, Elisabeth has explored the links between health, nutrition, and sustainable food production.
The school has created a healthy snack recipe book, launched on UN World Food Day (October 16), and started a project to grow food on campus. Classes have also visited local greenhouses to learn about locally grown produce, participate in harvesting, and plant winter crops such as radishes and turnips.
The BISB School Council, under Elisabeth’s guidance, visited Bio Food, a local cooperative supermarket, to learn about sustainable consumption. Year 5 and 6 students also explored emissions-free food transportation aboard an eco-boat delivering apples via Belgian canals.
Elisabeth has supported staff training in Global Schools workshops and formed a working group to align the school curriculum with SDGs and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) competencies. She finds immense joy and fulfillment in her role as a Global Schools Advocate.
For Farzana Saif Kalkoti, being a Global Schools Advocate for the SDGs has been both an honor and a journey of passion and dedication.
She has worked tirelessly to integrate the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the SDGs into the school curriculum, despite facing challenges that she overcame with resilience and the support of her school leadership.
Her key initiatives include:
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program: Students in Grades 9–12 developed sustainable business ideas on October 19, 2024.
Cancer Awareness Program: On October 17, 2024, the school raised awareness about breast cancer among female staff and students.
Paws Animal Care Donation: A donation drive provided supplies to a local animal rescue center.
World Gratitude Day: Kindergarten students prepared lemonade and sandwiches for support staff to express their appreciation.
Plantation Drive: Fifty saplings were planted as part of an environmental initiative.
World Mental Health Day: A mindfulness activity, Meditate to Calm, was conducted on October 10, 2024, to highlight the importance of mental health.
Ceramic Mug Distribution: Ceramic mugs were distributed to promote zero waste and reduce plastic use.
Beach Cleanup Drive: Grade 9 students participated in cleaning a local beach to foster environmental responsibility.
Joana Valeiro, a Language Teacher and CAS Coordinator at Luanda International School, actively integrates Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) into her classes and student-led projects. She has successfully woven the SDGs into unit plans across multiple languages, enabling students to connect real-world challenges like migration, inequality, and health to classroom learning.
Joana also leads a student leadership group in the SDG of the Month initiative, which organizes school-wide activities to promote awareness and dialogue on global issues. As a CAS Coordinator, she provides students with opportunities to use the SDGs as a framework for meaningful action.
Joana remains committed to empowering students and educators to be catalysts for a more sustainable future.
As a Global Schools Advocate, Dr. Zerfishan Adnan has gained extensive experience in implementing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in classrooms.
Her efforts have transformed the mindsets of her teaching staff, students, and the wider community, fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible citizenship.
Dr. Zerfishan has strengthened her sense of global citizenship through collaboration with international advocates, enriching her perspective and approach.
Her work continues to make a significant impact on promoting inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and awareness in her community.
Congratulations to all the advocates for their dedication and efforts in promoting the SDGs and ESD.
Keep shining as changemakers!
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