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Initiating Change

The Global Issues Network (GIN) is a worldwide event to help students realise that they can make a difference by empowering them to work with their peers internationally to develop solutions for global issues. It is about finding solutions to problems through one's own action.

The GIN is organised not only by and for international schools, but also for schools following the national curriculum. By doing this the students have an opportunity to form part of a global network, making it a reality to make a difference with help of others. This October, five Grade 9s and five Grade 10 students participated in the conference on "Poverty" held in Zurich. Students had to do some research on this topic and see if the Human Rights for children have been respected since they were signed in 1989. Students had the possibility to question what poverty means for them and for others, and be encouraged to look for solutions to help those in need.

Eight international schools participated in this year's conference hosted by the International Community School in Zurich. Each school was represented by at least ten students from Grades 8 and above. Every day we started with keynote speakers, all of whom have had some years of experience working against poverty. This information and motivation is what students need to know so that they can be active and make a difference. When one sees that others are making a change, it makes others realise that it can be a reality for them.

We all came back to London motivated to make an action plan and support those in need. Having said this the idea is to create awareness and to make long term action, not as a plan for one school year, but actually having one project that would be based on different aspects of the Global Issues affecting the world nowadays.

This conference was an inspiration for all who attended; it was an eye opener to believe that we can make a difference; it was a window to reality with a spark of bright light, giving us the belief that we can make a change. It's not only about teaching and learning, it's about acting. It would be great if we could all act together!

By Daniela Salvador, Spanish Teacher and GIN Co-ordinator

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