In an inspiring series of four Live Classes, students from Korea, India, and Mexico convened virtually to explore the universal yet diverse challenges of education in their respective countries. This collaboration was not merely a sharing of perspectives but a creative problem-solving journey, linking local educational issues to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through analysis, discussion, and innovation, the students demonstrated how education can serve as a powerful tool for addressing societal disparities and fostering global change.
To begin with, Korean students focused on critical educational challenges, including academic negligence, heavy reliance on private education, and insufficient support for special education. They connected these issues to SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). They underscored how academic stress and the financial burden of private education negatively affect mental well-being, thereby limiting access to quality learning. As one group noted, “Achieving SDG 3 and SDG 4 is crucial to addressing the mental health challenges caused by academic stress and social expectations in South Korea. Quality education must actively support students' mental well-being to create a sustainable and healthy educational system for future generations.” Their solutions emphasized AI-based personalized learning, community-driven special education support, and student-centered reforms each offering a holistic approach to equity and sustainability.
Moving from Korea to India, students examined the intersection of education with poverty, unemployment, and gender equality, aligning their presentations with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). They explored systemic barriers such as caste and gender-based discrimination, limited resources, and a disconnect between education and the job market. A student group shared, “Working on gender inequality has shown how deeply it affects all parts of society. What inspired us most were the powerful stories of resilience from those who’ve faced and overcome gender barriers, proving that change is possible.” The students proposed solutions focused on empowering women through education and skill development, while also recommending reforms in the school systems to better support marginalized communities. They highlighted impactful local initiatives like Skill India and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, demonstrating how education can break cycles of poverty, foster gender equity, and drive sustainable development.
Similarly, Mexican students addressed barriers to quality education, such as a more than 40% reduction in teacher training funds over the past five years, compounded by challenges like poverty and wealth inequality. They introduced local initiatives such as full-time schools that extend learning hours, the National English Program to enhance language proficiency and scholarships for low-income families. Their proposed solutions included fostering public-private partnerships, leveraging technology, and expanding online learning platforms to improve access for underserved communities. By adopting these strategies, they emphasized how targeted efforts could bridge educational gaps and create more equitable opportunities for all students.
These Live Classes demonstrated the students’ ability to connect local issues with global goals, critically analyze challenges, and propose actionable solutions. The discussions underscored how education is intricately linked to other SDGs, revealing the interconnected nature of global development and the importance of collaboration. One student reflected, “As we reflect on various projects on SDG 4 and other relevant SDGs, we realize the magnitude of the challenges facing our respective countries. However, we also recognize the immense potential for positive change. Let us carry the spirit of collaboration and innovation that we have cultivated here and apply it to address these challenges.”
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