The Dr. KCG Higher Education Leadership Management Centre and Office of International Affairs, orgnaised a webinar on the “Integration of Sustainable Development Goals Education in the curriculum and the scope of global SDG Projects”. The resource person was Mr. Ronnie Antony, Starlight Experimental Education Institute, Taiwan, Teach SDGs Global Ambassador, Taiwan Coordinator, ETC Sweden, and Global Schools Advocate.
The program commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. Ilavazhagan, Director of International Affairs, HITS. On behalf of the HELM center and the Office of International Affairs and the HELM center, he welcomed the Chief Guest Mr. Ronnie Antony. He also welcomed the students and staff for a session on sustainable development goals (SDGs). He stressed the importance of creating awareness amongst staff and students about the SDGs and their effective implementation at HITS.
Dr. A. Sherine Joy, Head of Languages and the HELM center, introduced the guest. Mr. Ronnie has held several prominent positions as an ENO Taiwan Coordinator, ENO Kerala coordinator, Host for ENO Second Asia Pacific Conference, and the Founder of the Nature Education Society of Taiwan (NEST). Currently, he is the Teach SDGs Ambassador, Founding Member of Teach SDGsTaiwan, and a Global Schools Advocate. He has been a pioneer in championing the cause of environmental awareness and sustainable development during the pandemic era.
During his presentation, Mr. Ronnie Antony highlighted the 17 SDGs. He also explained the role of his institution and how they have implemented an SDG-based curriculum and syllabus. A sample school syllabus integrating each SDG was also explained pertaining to different age groups. For example, for Gender Equality: SDG5 – Books suggested were: "Malala’s Magic Pencil", for school kids of age 7-12, "No truth without Ruth: The life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg", Kathleen Krull for ages 10-12. For SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation- Books titled “A Drop around the world" by Barbara Mckinney and “The Water Princess” by Susan Verde were included. For SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities- “The Journey” by Francesca Sanna explores the migration of refugees from the perspective of a young girl.
Mr. Ronnie emphasized that for the Higher Education syllabus there should be the incorporation of SDG-oriented study and practical projects. He also stated that a small STEP in this direction would definitely pave for enabling the education fraternity to implement SDGs and thus work toward transforming the world. STEP acronym was mentioned as “S” say the problem- without blame, “T” Think of solutions- safe and respectful, “E” explore the consequences and what could happen if…“P” Pick the best solution …make your plan
He also insisted that students should explore the possibilities of taking up projects related to SDGs to connect to local issues and take action since it makes a difference. He emphasized the eight competencies to move forward that include strategic plans, collaboration, critical thinking, integrative problem solving, and self-awareness.
He answered the queries during the session regarding the projects and also informed the staff about relevant opportunities and global conferences related to SDG. He also proposed possible collaborations with the institution for joint conferences, workshops, and projects.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Sherine, Head Languages and HELM center.
