78 Years Engaging Global Citizens
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 In July 2017, 80 high school students in India took on the challenge of solving some of the most intractable global problems and working toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their communities. By participating in the World Federation of United Nations Associations’ (WFUNA) flagship global citizenship education program, Mission Possible, […]
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
In July 2017, 80 high school students in India took on the challenge of solving some of the most intractable global problems and working toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their communities. By participating in the World Federation of United Nations Associations’ (WFUNA) flagship global citizenship education program, Mission Possible, these students have committed to creating a more sustainable, just world and becoming global citizens and leaders for change at the local and global levels.
The 2017-2018 cycle of Mission Possible: India kicked off with launch workshops at schools in Bangalore and Hyderabad, all of which participated in the previous program cycle. As Mission Possible participants, or Agents of Change, these students will spend the next six months engaging deeply with community issues and coming up with creative, sustainable solutions. Students will work in small teams on a project to tackle one of the SDGs in their community, addressing a local problem and contributing to positive change at the global level. Students are supported as they develop their projects through training focused on building project management skills, global knowledge, and collaborative values.
Shricha, a Mission Possible: India participant in 9th grade from Vidyashilp Academy in Bangalore, said, “I like that we are called Agents of Change. It makes me feel professional and responsible towards achieving the goal at hand.”
During launch workshops facilitated by WFUNA’s National Program Coordinator, Soujanya Ganig, students learned about the United Nations, the SDGs, the basics of global citizenship and how they can take action as Agents of Change. While brainstorming about local problems and potential solutions, students were introduced to project management tools and strategies that would help them make their projects more impactful and sustainable. Leena Gupte, PMP, Programs Administrator at the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, coached students on the importance of project management and how to be an effective project manager.
Shivam, another 9th-grade Mission Possible Agent of Change from Vidyashilp Academy, noted that the launch workshop enhanced students’ skills to be involved in real-world issues.
Mission Possible: India participants will receive ongoing training and guidance from WFUNA’s National Program Coordinator as well as mentorship from their teachers as they progress through the program. During the launch workshop, 6 teachers supported students in the brainstorming process and motivated them to push the boundaries in their thinking.
In addition to the concrete skills and global knowledge students gained during the launch workshop, a new partnership between WFUNA, Graphic Indiaand World’s Largest Lessonprovided students with an exciting opportunity to explore the SDGs through the colorful and fun Chakra, The Invincible!and Mighty Girlcomic books created by Stan Lee with Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra.
After such successful launches in Bangalore and Hyderabad, WFUNA is looking forward to following students’ progress and the upcoming expansion of the Mission Possible program to reach new regions in India.
Mission Possible was launched in India in 2015 with the support of the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Learn about Mission Possible here.
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