CELEBRATING NOVEMBER MENTORS OF THE MONTH

Written by Stacy Nyathi, Global Schools Project Lead, Communications

This month we are spotlighting three incredible mentors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their roles. They have been instrumental to their Mentees growth, guiding them through various Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) implementation strategies.

Shola Shedrach Faloye is a passionate Global Schools Mentor whose work reflects a deep commitment to transforming education through the lens of sustainability, innovation, and global citizenship. As a dedicated voice for the integration of ESD into school curricula, he works to empower young people with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to create a more just and sustainable world.

Through his advocacy, Shola engages educators, policymakers, and students in meaningful dialogues about the role of education in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and social justice. His initiatives often emphasize experiential learning and community engagement, inspiring schools to become active centers of positive change.

With a clear vision for the future of education, Shola Shedrach Faloye continues to bridge global and local perspectives, fostering a generation of learners who are not only informed but also inspired to take action for a better world.

Jo Au is an inspirational Global Schools Mentor and a highly reflective educator, driven by a deep commitment to educational impact and unwavering dedication to social justice. She currently serves as Education Operations Director and Rural Program Coordinator at two Australian Non-Profit Organizations, specifically supporting disadvantaged students who experience barriers to education, directly aligning her impactful initiatives with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality).

Recognized for Global Schools Mentor of the Month, Jo's leadership is centered on managing and scaling programmatic impact across a diverse cohort of educators. This involves the strategic operations of onboarding new Advocates, facilitating a vibrant exchange of curated resources and ideas on sustainability, and conducting monthly sessions to accelerate the integration of ESD into the curriculum. She provides differentiated scaffolding tailored to each teacher’s unique school context, utilizing a mentorship style defined by reciprocal growth. She empowers her mentees to develop inclusive, culturally-rooted methodologies that expose students to socioeconomic disparities and systemic injustice, cultivating empathy and their ability to challenge social inequalities.

Jo works tirelessly with her organizational expertise to drive the ‘Four Cs’: Connect, Collaborate, Create, and Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. She has delivered a workshop focused on transforming classroom culture through compassionate practices. Her specialty lies in empowering Advocates to develop a pedagogical framework rooted in student voice and Place-Based Education, effectively translating global goals into measurable, transformative change within their local communities.

Richard Bello has been an active and passionate Global Schools Advocate turned Mentor, dedicated to promoting ESD among teachers, students, and school leaders.

Through training sessions, workshops, and mentorship, he has helped educators integrate sustainability concepts into classroom teaching and school culture. Richard has also facilitated leadership programs for secondary school and undergraduate students, encouraging them to become change agents in their communities. His efforts emphasize capacity building, collaboration, and practical action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within and beyond the school environment.

To learn more about the work of Global Schools Advocates and Mentors read our case about the Advocates Program here.