School Transformation Through SDG

Written by Mani Ram Ghimire, Global Schools Alumnus (Cohort 6, Nepal )

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

Working as a Global Schools Mentor for Nepal, I have realized that schools can become powerful places of change when they connect learning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are not just international commitments; they are everyday tools that make education meaningful and give students a chance to see themselves as problem-solvers.

Transformation begins when schools rethink the purpose of education. Instead of limiting learning to textbooks and exams, linking lessons with SDG themes turns education into living learning. I have seen students carry out projects on reducing plastic waste, which not only deepens their science knowledge but also contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

In classrooms where boys and girls share equal space and voice, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) naturally comes alive. These small changes help learners connect what they study with real issues in their communities.

Teaching methods also play a big role. Traditional lecture styles often leave little room for curiosity, but SDG based approaches like project based learning (PjBL), design thinking, and community engagement make learning exciting. I have watched students design local solutions for water conservation, such as rainwater harvesting, and lead campaigns for clean surroundings.

This way, they learn to think globally but act locally, what I call a “glocal mindset.”

Another important area is inclusivity. Real change happens when no child is left behind. In my work in Nepal, I have observed that when schools start embracing diversity, whether through local culture, language, or support for different learners, they reflect the spirit of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). When students feel safe and valued, their confidence to contribute grows naturally.

Collaboration is equally essential for school transformation. I have been part of school efforts that involve parents, municipalities, and global education networks. These partnerships, aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), give students richer experiences and help schools share ideas and resources with community partners. They also show learners the power of working together for a bigger cause.

What inspires me most is the shift in values. Schools that promote empathy, sustainability, and responsibility not only improve academics but also raise young people who care for people, animals, and the planet. I have seen students step forward with innovative ideas and compassionate hearts, proving that education can truly transform society through the integration of SDGs.

For me, the SDGs are more than goals, they are a roadmap guiding schools to become inclusive, innovative, and hopeful spaces for young learners. Transformation is gradual, but every small step counts.

When schools embrace the vision of the SDGs, they prepare students not only for exams but for life, shaping a generation ready to build a just and sustainable world.