"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela
At SAI International Residential School (SIRS), the mission to nurture future-ready global citizens continues to be at the heart of every initiative. In alignment with this vision, a few enthusiastic students from Grades IX to XII proudly participated in AFS India’s prestigious National Calendar Workshop – Changemakers: Active Global Citizenship Education, held virtually on 23rd and 25th April 2025.
This highly engaging two-day event was meticulously designed to instil the values of global citizenship, introduce the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and encourage students to adopt a changemaker mindset. Each session, lasting 90 minutes, served as an enriching platform where students delved into discussions on pressing global issues and explored how these are connected to their immediate communities.
Exploring Global Challenges, Locally
The workshop began by laying a strong foundation on the SDGs-17 interlinked global goals adopted by the United Nations to address issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, peace, and justice. Students were introduced to how these goals translate into real-world challenges and opportunities for action within their communities.
This was more than just theory—it was a call to action. The sessions emphasised changemaking as a mindset and practice, empowering students to move beyond passive learning and take active roles in identifying local issues, initiating dialogue, and crafting practical solutions that make a difference.
From Classrooms to Communities: Learning in Action
What set this workshop apart was its experiential and interactive methodology. Students participated in thought-provoking discussions, collaborative activities, and reflective exercises that encouraged them to think critically, empathize with diverse perspectives, and develop innovative solutions. These exercises provided a safe space to articulate ideas, challenge assumptions, and sharpen problem-solving abilities. Importantly, students discovered the powerful link between classroom learning and real-world action. They came to understand that the knowledge and skills they develop at school, when applied with intent and compassion, can create a tangible impact in their communities and beyond.
Nurturing 21st-Century Skills
Throughout the workshop, SIRS students honed essential 21st-century skills such as:
• Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of others in a globally interconnected world.
• Critical Thinking: Analysing complex problems and making informed decisions.
• Collaboration: Working together to find creative, inclusive solutions.
• Global Citizenship: Embracing a sense of shared responsibility toward people and the planet.
These competencies are vital for thriving in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world—and they are also at the core of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to transform education in India through holistic, learner-centred approaches.
A Step Towards Lifelong Changemaking
Participation in the AFS National Calendar Workshop is a stepping stone in the lifelong journey of leadership and service. The experience not only inspired the students but also reinforced SIRS’s commitment to creating avenues where learners can grow as informed, empathetic, and proactive individuals. AFS India will be awarding certificates of participation to the students, recognising their engagement, reflection, and contribution to the cause of global citizenship and sustainable development.
Celebrating Transformative Learning at SIRS
At SIRS, learning transcends the classroom. We take pride in facilitating opportunities where students are not just receivers of information but active participants in shaping a better world. Workshops like these are essential milestones that align with our global edge and forward-thinking educational approach. By nurturing young changemakers, we reaffirm our belief that every student has the power to lead change locally and globally.
