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

Brazil and Korea: New Partners for the Future

“Olá, amigos!” “Annyeonghaseyo!” Cheerful greetings rang out as the Live Class between Brazilian and South Korean high school students began on June 13th. The genuine excitement was palpable as the students who had been building virtual friendships over the last couple of months finally came face to face, eager to share their research and presentations with one another. Being first-term participants in the IVECA exchange, the Brazilian teachers and students were brimming with bright smiles and fresh ideas to share with their partners.

Starting in May, the students had been communicating through IVECA’s virtual classroom platform, exchanging interests, cultural insights, curiosities, and their anticipation for the activities to come. Engaging in the exchange, students were enhancing intercultural understanding and building what can become life-long friendships.  Through role-playing and critical thinking, students explored multi-stakeholder partnerships for change. By exploring the different responsibilities of society members such as students, educators, business owners, non-profit organizers, government leaders and members of the United Nations, students bridged gaps not only between countries but also various sectors of society.

Korean students kickstarted the exchange of partnership propositions with each group describing their goals as multi-stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of multilateral action, one group proposed the United Nations take greater strides to listen to and interact with students around the world. Students shared that the UN’s local presence in countries such as Korea could be enhanced by implementing programs that enable student insights to be shared directly with their Ambassadors. Additionally, Korean students also highlighted the need for concerted efforts started within their local communities in order to create greater changes, particularly in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #1: No Poverty. As one group shared through their role-play, “We must engage students through education to foster their interest in poverty and its impact. By doing so, we can lay the foundation for addressing poverty issues in the future.” 

Brazilian students also focused on the vital need for cooperation between multi-stakeholders throughout their country in order to achieve the UN SDGs. Narrowing in on the urgency of climate change and environmental pollution and degradation, the students shared critical insights with their partners. Acting as members of the infrastructure, farming and industrial industries throughout the nation, students pointed out the humanitarian consequences of climate change around the country, specifically following the recent, tragic flood in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Reflecting on the dramatic impact of the flood, they emphasized that true, preventative changes begin with improved, greener education. The students wisely advised that while longer-lasting improvements are being implemented, countries should take immediate actions such as improving accessibility to virtual education, local education material donations to schools, and sharing access to educational institutions. Touching on the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and the ultimate achievement of SDG #17, Partnerships for the Goals, one Brazilian student brilliantly stated, “With coordinated efforts and well-planned strategies, we can build a more resilient and secure future for all.” 

Following an engaging discussion session, students shared inspiring and exciting cultural performances. Brazilian students shared a powerful battle cry, performed live by a group of students in one of Brazil’s indigenous languages, Tupi-Guarani. The chant was introduced by one of their teachers. “This chant is a symbol of strength, struggle, team spirit and bravery,” he explained. Echoing their partners’ strength and resilience, Korean students performed a striking Tae Kwon Do routine. Their efforts gave their partners an impressive glimpse into an integral part of their national identity. Cultural performances help immerse students in their partners' daily lives, traditions and histories, and remind them of the significance of preserving and sharing cultures with one another.

Wrapping up the joyous Live Class, students shared their bittersweet farewells with one another, celebrating their growing global friendships and newfound knowledge. “This experience has been extremely rewarding,“ Brazilian students noted, “The collaboration and interactions between the students from Brazil and South Korea have fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of our diverse cultures. It has been a privilege to engage with you all and to witness the beautiful exchange of knowledge and perspectives.” The sentiment also was expressed by their Korean counterparts who summed up their shared experience, “Although it was a very short time, what we have shared with you will be unforgettable.”Their exchange was only a semester long; however, the students from Brazil and Korea are sure to remember and reflect on their exchange for many years to come, carrying with them the wisdom and awareness they gained from their partners, with the hope they may meet again one day.

#IVECA #LiveClass #21stCenturyEducation #InterculturalExchange #VirtualClassroom #NewPartnershipsForChange #BrighterFuture