Test Sessions: Establishing the Intercultural Foundations of Virtual Exchange

To prepare for the upcoming Live Classes, teachers from Colombia, Mexico, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States gathered for IVECA's Test Sessions–the teachers’ final meeting to ensure a smooth global exchange between students. More than a technical rehearsal, these sessions are opportunities for teachers to create a supportive foundation that encourages students to share intercultural ideas and collaborate with their partners.

During the Test Sessions, teachers exchanged ideas with enthusiasm, anticipation, and a strong dedication to cooperation. One of the United States teachers showed his excitement for the Live Class, expressing his appreciation for the program,  “Since our students have learned Spanish as a second language, having IVECA gives them an authentic way to communicate with others in their second language and learn things that are different from their everyday experiences.” They shared thoughtful insights rooted in respect, mindfulness, and empathy to have their students engage in meaningful global collaboration with their partners. One particularly heartwarming moment came when the Singaporean teachers checked the arrangement of their classroom for students’ cultural performance by playfully demonstrating part of the dance themselves. Despite the physical distance, Singaporean teachers sincerely wished their partner students would enjoy and appreciate their traditional dances, representing the spirit of intercultural exchange.

While discussing classroom setups, teachers approached the preparation from the partner school’s perspective, displaying their own intercultural understanding and communication skills. One Korean teacher, caring about how clearly her partners could hear, prepared multiple ways to support clear and smooth communication. Also, one of the teachers from Colombia mentioned that his students hope their partners will feel a warm and intimate connection. Through the discussion, teachers planned to make the students' introductions more active and engaging by having them call out their partners’ names to greet one another directly. These small but thoughtful considerations reflect the empathy and respect that help students feel genuinely connected across distance.

From these collective efforts, the Test Session demonstrated its essential value: teachers mindfully interacting, sharing ideas, and supporting one another to create an environment where students can confidently and joyfully exchange cultures. Through the teachers’ passion, respect, and cooperative spirit, students are empowered to build global connections and experience an engaging Live Class. The teachers have embodied IVECA’s mission, sharing their eagerness, appreciation, and mindfulness while walking in harmony with us toward global citizenship education.

#GlobalCitizenship #EducationforAll #LiveClassPreparation #TestSessions #Collaboration #InterculturalCommunication #GCED

IVECA Joins the CoNGO Board to Advance Global Collaboration

We are proud to announce that IVECA has been elected to serve on the Board of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)., The election took place during the CoNGO General Assembly on October 30, 2025, marking a meaningful milestone that reflects our belief that global development is achieved through cooperation, shared responsibility, and the efforts of civil society.

Founded in 1948, CoNGO is a respected, long-standing global platform that brings together non-governmental organisations in consultative relationship with the UN’s Economic and Social Council. It provides space for civil society to join international conversations, influence policymaking, and work alongside UN bodies to advance human rights, sustainable development, and inclusive global cooperation.

IVECA’s election to the Board is an honour that highlights our ongoing commitment to education, global citizenship, youth empowerment, and cross-border collaboration. At IVECA, we are humbled that our efforts to build globally inclusive, culturally responsive learning spaces and to amplify young people’s voices have been recognised by peers across the international civil society community. We accept this responsibility with gratitude and determination, ready to contribute our experience and energy to CoNGO’s mission.

Serving on the CoNGO Board means joining a group of committed civil society leaders who help shape the organisation’s priorities and ensure that NGO voices are heard across UN processes. Board members guide CoNGO’s strategy, strengthen partnerships between NGOs and UN institutions, and support the committees and working groups that connect grassroots experience to international policy. This is meaningful, practical work: it helps translate on-the-ground expertise into constructive engagement at the global level.

As a Board Member, IVECA will bring a passion for learner-centred practice, a belief in youth as partners in change, a focus on global citizenship, and a collaborative spirit dedicated to strengthening civil society’s role within the UN ecosystem. We look forward to working with fellow Board Members, CoNGO committees, and member organisations to advance shared goals and to ensure that education, access to information, and youth leadership remain central to global efforts for a fairer, more sustainable future.

#UN #CoNGO #IVECA #GCED #GlobalCitizenship

Becoming Global Citizens through Science, Peace, and Tolerance

Two United Nations observances–the International Week of Science and Peace (November 9-15) and the International Day for Tolerance (November 16)–are celebrated each year to remind us of our collective duty to build a more peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive world. These observances align with IVECA’s mission to nurture interculturally competent global citizens who understand that their perspectives and actions influence global communities far beyond their immediate surroundings. By exploring science, strengthening communication skills and practicing mutual respect, IVECA students learn to collaborate despite their differences and contribute to a world where diverse cultures and knowledge systems coexist to benefit us all.

The International Week of Science and Peace promotes the idea that scientific progress and peace are deeply connected. Recognized by the UN General Assembly to highlight the role of science in solving global challenges, it encourages harmonious cooperation across borders through research and innovation. This year’s theme, “Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for Tomorrow” emphasizes how shared understanding is key to building a sustainable future. IVECA strives towards this goal with creative, engaging curricula that explore the many scientific dimensions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From studying clean energy and local efforts in pollution control to observing the use of natural resources and impacts on animal life, students connect scientific inquiry with social responsibility to embrace their roles in achieving global peace.

The International Day for Tolerance calls for respect, empathy, and appreciation of diversity. First observed in 1996 following its declaration by UNESCO, the day reminds us of the dangers of intolerance and that true tolerance means actively engaging with difference. It affirms that peace depends on inclusion and understanding–a recognition that is essential for our peaceful coexistence. IVECA encourages students to reflect on how open-minded communication helps build trust and strengthen global connections. Students build intercultural relationships from the ground up through their virtual exchanges, overcoming their cultural and linguistic barriers. By sharing cultural performances and traditions, exchanging ideas and insights on global issues, and connecting over shared interests, students build lasting friendships and develop genuine tolerance by finding common ground while appreciating their differences.

Every November, these observances underscore that both science and tolerance are vital in our pursuit of peace. Scientific advancements both demand and inspire cooperation through innovation and inquiry, while tolerance sustains those relationships with respect and empathy. When students engage in learning that values these strengths, they practice the essence of global citizenship by thinking critically, communicating effectively across cultures, and acting with integrity to help create a more inclusive and sustainable world.

#GCED #GlobalCitizenship #IVECA #Tolerance #ScienceandPeace #SDGs #Sustainability #Peace #EducationforAll