Written by Global Schools Advocate, Florence V in India
Alphonsa Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil is a premier and pioneer educational institution in Tamilnadu, India, that provides quality and inclusive education. It nurtures an atmosphere of intellectual spirit and moral values to propel students to achieve greatness in their lives. The school has taken up new initiatives to elevate the students to global standards. It adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in its curriculum through the flagship program, the Global School Program (GSP). Alphonsa Matriculation Higher Secondary School has conducted activities under the GSP via their Global Schools Advocate, Florence V.
1. Orientation for School leadership
Florence V organized four virtual meetings for the school leadership to discuss the significance of sustainable development, the GSP, and SDGs in action. After a lengthy discussion and debate, school leadership decided to incorporate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the curriculum, ensuring not to disturb the current curriculum elements.
2. Education for Sustainable Development Workshop for Teachers
Despite the challenges due to COVID-19, Global Schools Advocate Florence V organized a half-day workshop for teachers to sensitize them about ESD concepts on Oct 2, 2021. They also commemorated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji. 10 teachers and members of school management attended the workshop. When schools reopen, the same ESD workshop will be organized for all teachers across different grades.
3. SDG Implementation in Higher Secondary
The official implementation ceremony of SDG and ESD education via the Global Schools Program in the school curriculum was held on Oct 22, 2021, in the presence of the School Management. 200 higher secondary students and ten teachers attended the function. Ms. Premkala, Vice Principal of the school, explained the importance of SDG education in the local context. The management, staff, and students took a pledge on SDGs in Action.
4. Implementation of SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
An awareness class on drug addiction was conducted as part of SDG3 implementation on Oct 22, 2021. The theme was: "say no to drugs; say yes to life." Dr. Anbu from the Health Department addressed the students and explained the negative health impacts of drug addiction. He explained the significance of SDG 3 in a global context. It was a wonderful and insightful session for students to learn the importance of good health and well-being.
5. Formation of the Translation Committee
The translation committee was formed to translate the Global School Program's content to the Tamil language under the direct guidance of the Fr. Correspondent.
6. Youth Innovation Challenge
Students participated in the Youth Innovation Challenge competition sent by the Global School Program. As a part of the implementation of SDG 13 and 14, students are taking the initiative to create plastic awareness and stop marine litter in the oceans.
7. SDG Club
The school decided to launch an SDG club to transport these goals to their immediate communities and the grassroots levels of society.
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