Advocacy in Action: From Rural Classrooms to Global Platforms

Written by Emmanuel Omeiza Momoh, Global Schools Alumnus (2021, Nigeria)

This blog is part of the 'Once An Advocate Always An Advocate' Blog Series

[Pictured: School wide tree planting project]

My involvement with the Global Schools Program (GSP) since 2021, opened a new chapter in advancing my advocacy for education for sustainable development (ESD). The program deepened my understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and equipped me with tools to integrate these goals into my teaching and outreach. Since then, I have embraced new opportunities to mentor young advocates across Nigeria, the Benin Republic, and Cameroon. 

Receiving my third mentorship certificate in August 2025 was a proud milestone, affirming my commitment to nurturing global citizenship and sustainability leadership. The GSP also became a springboard for further academic and professional growth. By enabling me to articulate how I have been giving back to society through climate literacy, teacher training, and inclusive education, the program strengthened my successful application for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. This scholarship is now supporting my Master’s degree in Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling, United Kingdom. The scholarship panel recognized my work in climate education and inclusive outreach, both nurtured through GSP.

One of the most impactful initiatives I led was “The Green Voices: Language for Sustainability” project, presented at the 2024 Teachers COP in Baku, Azerbaijan. As an English teacher, I used language education to promote climate literacy, encouraging learners to express environmental concerns through storytelling, poetry, and dialogue. The project was recognized among the top eleven globally, a testament to the power of interdisciplinary advocacy. I have also been a recipient of different awards, including the 2024 Kwara State Champion of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition and the Grooming Endowment Teacher Appreciation Program hosted by the Grooming Endowment Foundation. The Global Schools Program laid the foundation for these recognitions.

[Pictured: SDG Club Executives]

In 2022, I addressed over 200 educators worldwide at the British Council’s Teachers’ Day Conference. Drawing from my GSP experience, I emphasized the urgency of embedding sustainability themes into classroom practice and curriculum design. This platform allowed me to share practical strategies for promoting the SDG agenda in diverse educational contexts. The Global Schools Program also opened doors for me to present at the International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in New York in both 2023 and 2024. These conferences provided a space to share regional insights, connect with global changemakers, and advocate for inclusive, climate-responsive education systems.

A key lesson I gained from GSP is the importance of contextual relevance.

Working in a rural school where farming is the primary livelihood, I trained over 50 of my students on climate-smart agricultural methods. We explored alternatives to bush burning and discussed sustainable land use practices that protect biodiversity and improve food security. These sessions not only enhanced environmental awareness but also empowered students to become advocates within their families and communities.

My dedication to mentorship was further recognized when I was named Mentor of the Month in December 2023 and again in February 2025. These acknowledgments reflect the impact of sustained guidance and the value of building capacity among emerging advocates.

The Global Schools Program has empowered me to bridge local realities with global aspirations. As I continue my work in education, publishing, and advocacy, I remain committed to advancing the education for sustainable development agenda, one classroom, one community, and one story at a time.