Colombian Schools Debut in IVECA: A Journey of Global Citizenship and Sustainability

Middle and high school students from Colombia have participated in the IVECA program, marking a significant milestone in the school's history. The IVECA program, well-known for fostering global connections and cultural understanding among students, provided these young Colombian learners with an unprecedented opportunity to interact with peers from another continent. Over the semester, the students engaged in various educational activities designed to broaden their perspectives on global issues and enhance their intercultural understanding. Their culminating live gatherings in July not only solidified the friendships they had formed but also allowed them to experience firsthand cultural diversity and the strength of global cooperation.

The programs concluded with the highly anticipated Live Classes, where the Colombian students met virtually with their counterparts from South Korea. This interactive session served as a capstone to their collaborative learning journey. Middle school students focused on the theme, “Becoming Global Citizens,” who value their own heritage and respect the lives of others. They shared presentations that offered a glimpse into their everyday lives, providing Korean friends with a rich perspective of cultural insights. Highlighting traditional foods from Colombia, students created a menu taking into account the diverse ingredients their landscape has to offer, such as coffee beans, corn, and avocado. Conversely, Korean students shared a favorite meal consisting of chicken, rice, and soy sauce. Through these exchanges, the students celebrated the uniqueness of their daily routines while fostering a deeper appreciation for their Korean peers’ way of life. 

High school students took on the more complex issues of "Globalization and Sustainability." Their presentations highlighted critical challenges facing Colombia related to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. They explained how certain Colombian traditions such as the Carnival of Barranquilla, while cherished, are having detrimental effects on the environment due to littering of decorations. Additionally, Korean partners tackled the pervasive issue of greenwashing, where companies falsely market products as environmentally friendly. A solution presented by students included a QR system for the environmental certification of popular products. These presentations not only underscored the importance of sustainable practices but also ignited meaningful discussions on how both countries could collaborate on environmental issues. 

The success of this first-time participation has left a lasting impression on both the students and educators involved. The Colombian school community has expressed immense pride in their students' achievements and looks forward to continuing their partnership with IVECA. As stated by a Colombian teacher, “This has been the first experience for us of a cultural interchange. Overall, we have learned a lot about Korea, its culture and traditions, and how different we are. There are many things to continue learning and borders to cross to become global citizens. But thanks to online interactions, we are closer than ever.” This experience has not only enriched the students' educational journey but has also opened doors to future international collaborations, fostering a generation of young global leaders committed to making a positive impact on the world.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #SDGs #Sustainability #InterculturalUnderstanding #VirtualExchange

Cross-Cultural Connections: Students Leading the Way in Global Change

For the ninth year, Hanil High School students from Korea joined international partners from Brazil, India, Nepal, and Taiwan to forge new partnerships for positive change. These young innovators tackled global issues, including poverty, hunger, social injustice, and climate change, by sharing collaborative solutions from diverse stakeholders. 

Hanil students emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #1: No Poverty and explored the impact of landfill waste on climate change. Their proposed solutions included environmental education, global teacher collaboration, food waste-to-compost technology, and strategic policies. They stressed the need for raising awareness, reducing poverty, and fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. Through these discussions, they forged cross-border connections, united by a shared vision to transform lives and communities.

Brazilian students from Colégio Militar de Curitiba participated in their first IVECA program, joining an interactive Live Class. They emphasized the need for nationwide collaboration to achieve the UN SDGs 13 and 15, focusing on the climate crisis and environmental degradation. They highlighted the importance of improved environmental education and expanding learning resources. A Brazilian student remarked, "It has been a memorable journey, and we will carry these lessons with us as we move forward." This sentiment reflects the profound impact of the exchange, where students gained valuable knowledge and cross-cultural understanding for a more sustainable future.

Taiwanese students from Yang Mei Senior High School discussed global issues related to poverty and hunger (SDGs 1 and 2), emphasizing the rising prevalence of undernourishment and child malnutrition exacerbated by epidemics, conflicts, climate change, and inequality. They stressed the roles of governments, businesses, and individuals in developing resilient food systems, leveraging technology and partnerships, and cultivating a culture of peace and justice.

Nepalese students from Creative Academy emphasized the urgent need to address climate change through Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13. Their key ideas included enhancing climate education for students and promoting a culture of environmental awareness and social responsibility. Recognizing the significant climate impact of landfill waste, they advocated for solutions involving education, technology, policy, and collaboration.

Indian students from JKG International School focused on improving education (SDG 4) through student exchanges and climate action (SDG 13) by collaborating with the local government on initiatives like solar power and tree planting. They emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and create positive change locally and globally. An Indian student expressed gratitude, saying, "Your creativity and enthusiasm made learning enjoyable and engaging, and for that, we from India are truly grateful."

As students continue their journeys, the connections and cross-cultural understanding cultivated during these exchanges will inspire them to be catalysts for transformation locally and globally. A Korean student expressed the value gained from the IVECA spring semester: "Before this program, I had little idea about how we act for our better future. But through this activity, I became more confident about myself as a global citizen." This testimonial highlights IVECA's impact in broadening students' perspectives and empowering them as part of a global community. IVECA live classes, culminating after a semester-long virtual collaboration, have equipped these young innovators with the knowledge, skills, and determination to create a more equitable, just, and environmentally conscious world.

#IVECA #GlobalStudentLeaders #YouthForChange #SustainableFuture #SDGAction #CrossCulturalLearning #EnvironmentalStewards

Empowering the Future: Celebrating Youth Skills Day with IVECA

Every year on July 15th, we celebrate Youth Skills Day, a global recognition of the importance of equipping young people with essential skills for life, employment and entrepreneurship. For IVECA, this day resonates deeply with our mission to foster global capacity and intercultural understanding among youth. Through our progressive and transformative programs, we also aim to develop essential skills that prepare young learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Traditional education often falls short in providing the practical and soft skills needed for real-world success. IVECA programs emphasize a holistic approach to education, ensuring that students develop not only academic knowledge but also vitalskills for personal growth and societal contribution. By connecting classrooms across different countries, IVECA provides students with firsthand experience in understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, crucial for fostering global citizenship, which includes empathy, respect, solidarity, and responsibility for humanity.

At the same time, our curriculum encourages students to think critically about global issues, analyze different perspectives, and develop innovative solutions. Students also practice effective communication and collaboration with peers from around the world, which helps them become proficient in expressing their ideas clearly and working effectively in diverse teams. Additionally, in a technology-driven world, digital literacy is a fundamental skill. IVECA integrates technology into the learning process, ensuring students are comfortable and capable in using digital tools for learning and communication.

By developing these skills, students gain enhanced employability with a strong foundation in intercultural competence, critical thinking, and digital literacy, making them better prepared for the global job market. Engaging with peers from different cultures and solving complex problems boosts students' confidence in their abilities and fosters a growth mindset. Through exposure to diverse viewpoints at a young age, students' horizons broaden, making them more open-minded and adaptable to different situations.

These skills promote lifelong learning, enabling students to continually adapt and grow in an ever-changing world. They also foster creativity and innovation, as students learn to approach problems with fresh perspectives and develop unique solutions. Moreover, the sense of global community and shared purpose cultivated through IVECA's programs inspires students to become active and responsible global citizens.

At IVECA, we are committed to empowering students with the skills they need to succeed in a globalized world. By fostering intercultural competence, critical thinking, communication, and digital literacy, IVECA not only prepares students for the future but also contributes to a more inclusive and interconnected world. Together, we can create a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and make a positive impact on society.

#YouthSkillsDay #GlobalEducation #InterculturalUnderstanding #21stCenturySkills #DigitalLiteracy #GlobalCitizenship