IVECA Welcomes First-Time Participants: Cameroon, Singapore, Indonesia & South Carolina, USA

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon once said that a Global Citizen is any individual who can “look beyond the national boundaries and act in solidarity.” This Fall, new schools and countries are joining the IVECA program for the first time, bringing with them fresh perspectives and unique experiences. These students are collectively taking their first steps toward understanding the world beyond their own border and becoming true global citizens. 

For many students, the global citizenship path begins early on, sparking curiosity as awareness of the world around them develops. A group of 6th-8th graders from Green Middle School begins their IVECA journey for the first time from South Carolina in the United States, ready to explore the world beyond their own. Their projects this term will follow the lead of the 2026 UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnership Forum, emphasizing how the next generation envisions and contributes to a fairer, more sustainable future. As one student emphatically shared with his partner, “My dream is to make a difference in the world, not just in America but all over the world. I want to inspire young children who struggle with finding how to be themselves and to inspire other people.”

Meanwhile in Singapore, Sekolah Indonesia Singapura’s participation marks a historic first—representing both Singapore and Indonesia by joining the IVECA program. The Indonesian students living abroad already experience life in two different countries, and their participation adds valuable cross-cultural perspectives to the program’s international dialogue. While describing to their partner what it is like to live outside of their home country, one student shared, “I like living in Singapore because it is safe, clean, and filled with people from many cultures. At the same time, I feel proud to be an Indonesian citizen.” Through their projects, the Indonesian students will have an opportunity to reflect on and share how living between two cultures has shaped their unique understanding of global issues and international cooperation.

Across the world, Cameroon is also joining the IVECA program for the first time with significant insight and perspectives from the nation often described as “Africa in Miniature” thanks to its vast cultural diversity. At Government Bilingual High School Bamendakwe, students are engaging in cross-cultural discussions with their global partners, exploring the importance of sustainable development and safe, inclusive urban spaces. “As a Cameroonian, I feel proud of our cultural richness, traditional foods, and strong family values,” a student expressed, “I also see myself as part of the global community, where we can learn from one another and work together for a better world.” The students from Cameroon are bringing local knowledge, creativity, and innovative contributions to the international dialogue and collaboration.

These students embody the vision of global citizenship Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described: individuals who can look beyond national boundaries and engage with one another in meaningful, impactful ways. Through their collaboration with partners around the world, students are learning about more than sustainability and global challenges; they are actively becoming future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who will shape the future.

#GCED #WelcometoIVECA #IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #GlobalCitizenshipEducation #NewParticipants #Cameroon #Singapore #Indonesia #SouthCarolina

One World, Many Voices: A Global Conversation Through IVECA

In their first IVECA activity, students from Cameroon, China, Colombia, Korea, Singapore, and the United States introduced themselves through text, images, and videos. Soon, even more countries will join, expanding this colorful mosaic of perspectives. What began as a simple introduction, saying who you are, quickly evolved into a rich lesson in language, identity, and empathy. Students practiced communication skills, compared daily life, and discovered shared values that will guide their upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) projects.

Each country’s introductions reflected both pride and excitement, revealing how young people express identity through culture and creativity. Cameroonian students described their homeland as “Africa in miniature.” One student proudly noted, “Cameroon is a place where everyone belongs; we speak many languages, but our hearts understand each other.” Chinese students painted vivid images of Jiangsu’s water towns and historical sites, blending ancient traditions with modern interests like digital design, rock music, and martial arts. As one student shared, “I’m really looking forward to learning more about you and exchanging thoughts about our cultures and interests.” Colombian and U.S. students found common ground through art, sports, food, and family, comparing their weekend routines and favorite meals, such as bandeja paisa. “I love sharing my culture and learning what life is like for students in other countries; it makes the world feel smaller and friendlier,” wrote one Colombian student. An American student echoed this spirit: “It’s amazing to see how much we have in common even though we live so far apart.” Their conversations radiated enthusiasm and openness, capturing the joy of discovery and the pride of representing one’s home.

Across all regions, students demonstrated genuine curiosity about one another’s worlds. They asked friendly and engaging questions such as “What time does your school start?”, “What are the most popular foods where you live?”, and “Do you celebrate similar festivals?” In one exchange, a student from Korea commented, “Your traditional dance looks so fun! It reminds me of our school festival,” while another from Singapore replied, “I’d love to visit your country one day, it looks so full of life!” These simple messages illuminated something powerful: beyond cultural differences, students were beginning to recognize themselves in one another’s stories. Their self-introductions formed a living tapestry of global youth identity, one that celebrated both individuality and connection, showing how curiosity can turn difference into understanding.

Through writing and interaction, students learned to communicate effectively and respectfully, focusing on ideas, kindness, and creativity rather than flawless grammar. More than a language exercise, this experience became a window into global belonging. As one participant reflected, “I feel like I’ve made friends from different parts of the world, not just learned about them.” This growing sense of connection embodies IVECA’s mission, transforming classrooms into spaces where cultural exchange builds empathy towards each other. Having experienced how their diverse perspectives can complement one another, students are ready to step forward as emerging global citizens eager to imagine a better, more connected, and sustainable world together.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #InterculturalLearning #VirtualExchange #SDGs #YouthEmpowerment #CulturalExchange #GCED

Honoring Teachers on World Teachers’ Day: Catalysts of Global Citizens

Teachers inspire minds and open doors to new opportunities, and each year on October 5, the world pauses to celebrate their impact. This year’s theme, “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession,” invites us to reflect not only on teachers’ individual contributions but also on how collective practice strengthens education everywhere. At IVECA, this vision resonates deeply, as collaboration across cultures and classrooms is at the heart of our mission.

We see teachers as more than facilitators of knowledge. They are guides who help students cross cultural boundaries, reflect on their own perspectives, and build respect for others. In virtual exchanges and classroom projects, it is teachers who make dialogue meaningful, encouraging students to ask not only what they are learning, but why it matters for the way they live with others.

To thrive, teachers need time to reflect, chances to learn new methods, and opportunities to connect with peers. UNESCO calls on governments, international partners, and communities to make sure teaching isn’t done in isolation, but alongside meaningful collaboration. In line with that call, IVECA provides ongoing professional development to help teachers explore intercultural learning, inclusive practices, and conflict-sensitive teaching. This approach enables them to address delicate and challenging issues respectfully, create trusting spaces for dialogue, and guide students in navigating differences constructively.

By fostering peer networks across regions, we ensure that educators can learn from each other, share challenges, and grow together. Our teachers share ideas across borders, adapt strategies to their classrooms, and support one another’s growth. When one teacher experiments with a new approach or helps a colleague develop, the impact reaches far beyond a single classroom, enriching the learning experiences of students everywhere. 

On this World Teachers’ Day, we express our deepest gratitude to all educators who dedicate themselves to opening minds, nurturing respect, and cultivating global perspectives. With IVECA’s commitment, we honor you not just today, but in every virtual discussion, classroom exchange, and student reflection.

#IVECA #InternationalVirtualSchooling #InterculturalCompetence #Teachers #WorldTeachersDay #GlobalCitizenship #GCED