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CELEBRATING GLOBAL SCHOOLS JANUARY MENTORS OF THE MONTH.

Written by Abigail Chifusa, Global Schools Project Officer.


The new year of 2025 has begun with incredible energy and determination from Global Schools Mentors across the world. 


This January, we celebrate nine passionate educators who have gone above and beyond to inspire students, champion sustainability, and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their schools and communities.

Murali, an experienced elementary Montessori teacher from India, has spent the past 20 years working with children from different socio-economic backgrounds. He is deeply passionate about fostering environmental values in his students, emphasizing the protection of plants, animals, and humans, and the responsibility citizens have to take action. 


Since the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the release of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) resources by the Global Schools Program, Murali has incorporated various activities into his classroom as a Global Schools Advocate. 


His students have led impactful campaigns on quality education, climate action, zero hunger, and life on land. Beyond the classroom, Murali has contributed significantly as a Global Schools Advocate Mentor by sharing his knowledge and experiences with advocates worldwide. He remains committed to implementing ESD activities in his school and inspiring positive change.  

As a Global Schools Mentor, Raymond Mitchel Africa has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and resilience in supporting educators from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia to conduct and organize Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) projects, even amidst challenges such as school closures caused by calamities. 


During these closures, particularly in Thailand, Mitchel encouraged educators to adopt flexible learning approaches. Recognizing the financial strain calamities can impose, he also supported students and educators in organizing fundraising initiatives to aid victims and sustain ongoing projects in the Philippines.  


Mitchel played an important role in helping educators document and share their experiences and successes in overcoming these challenges. He not only empowered them to navigate the complexities of conducting SDG and ESD projects but also fostered hope and resilience within their communities. His guidance enabled educators to transform adversity into opportunities for learning, growth, and meaningful contributions to society.

Inderjeet and her co-mentor Natalya have shown exceptional dedication as Global Schools Mentors, guiding mentees in integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into their curricula. 


They have encouraged mentees to collaborate effectively, fostering the exchange of innovative ideas and strategies. 


Under their mentorship, many mentees have successfully engaged senior management to support their initiatives and secured local partnerships with NGOs and government organizations, further strengthening their sustainable development efforts.  

Natalya has been working with the Global Schools Program since 2019. 


Driven by her strong belief in the transformative power of education for sustainable development at both local and global levels, she participated in the GSP Advocates Mentorship Program for nearly two years.

Shahnaz Ojha, from Delhi Public School Lava Nagpur, India, has served as both a Global Schools Advocate and a Mentor for the past two years. 


During this time, she has mentored advocates from Southeast Asia, focusing on SDG advocacy and training. 


As an active member of the SDGs2SaveTheWorld Cohorts, she has participated in the Act Global Summit, hosted by her Green Award-winning school. 


Recognized for her efforts, Shahnaz received the Global Sustainability Award in 2025 for her contributions to SDG 6. In 2024, she also served as the Climate Action School Facilitator, supporting the Climate Action School Champions initiative.  

Samreen Munir, through the Global Schools SDG Mentorship Program, has collaborated with mentees from different regions to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. She has shared insights on cross-cultural strategies and implementation of sustainable practices in diverse educational contexts. 


Her collaboration with her co-mentor Shruti from India enhanced mutual learning and strengthened global efforts to achieve the SDGs. 


A devoted member of the Global Schools community, Samreen continues to draw inspiration from her mentorship journey, gaining greater dedication and courage to advocate for sustainable development.  

When the journey as a Global Schools Advocate (2021–2022) came to an end, the saying “once an Advocate, always an Advocate” proved true to Shruti, as the work continued. 


After being promoted to mentor, it was an enriching experience collaborating as a co-mentor with Samreen from Pakistan. Interactive meetings held at regular intervals with senior mentors were highly enlightening, offering opportunities to exchange various SDG-oriented ideas. The mentees shared their SDG projects, and, as part of the co-mentors, Shruti provided guidance and support. 


“It is heartening to see how what began as a small ripple is now transforming communities and touching the lives of many. Students have embraced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various projects, understanding that these efforts are essential for building a better future,” Shruti said.

Rony K. Antony, a dedicated Global Schools Mentor from Taiwan, is known for engaging students through hands-on projects that bring the SDGs to life. 


With his exceptional communication and collaboration skills, he actively connects with advocates worldwide, inspiring them to stay committed and overcome challenges. 


Rony’s support fosters resilience and motivation among advocates, while his belief in teamwork and collaboration makes him a valuable leader in advancing Education for Sustainable Development.

Mani Ram Ghimire has actively contributed as a Global Schools Advocate, focusing on advancing the principles of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). 


His efforts include raising awareness about sustainable education practices and integrating SDGs into school curricula. 


Mani Ram has worked closely with educators, parents, and students to promote holistic development, value-based education, and innovative teaching methodologies, such as project-based learning and ICT integration. 


Through workshops, needs assessments, and collaborative programs, he has empowered schools to adopt inclusive, equitable, and student-centered practices, fostering a generation of responsible global citizens.



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