“For years we have seen signs of our depleting natural resources, as well as the increasing pressure of human needs on our Earth. We have to find a solution to this, and this solution needs to be permanent – this is what we call sustainable development.” Aadithya Athreya, a student from Vidyashilp Academy, spoke to his peers, faculty, parents, and stakeholders that attended the WFUNA Mission Possible Closing Ceremony about the importance of sustainable development. He further stressed the need for more youth to participate in the implementation of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Closing Ceremony, held on March 29th, 2019 at Vidyashilp Academy in Bangalore, celebrated the successful completion of 77 Mission Possible Students during the 2018-2019 program cycle in India. Over the past several months, these students have dedicated their time and efforts in identifying, executing, and monitoring a project in their local communities addressing one or more of the SDGs. From renovating toilets at an orphanage (SDG 3) to installing a green wall in their school (SDG 15), student projects have collectively addressed ten of the United Nations’ 17 SDGs and all of which intend on continuing their engagement.
A key highlight of the Closing Ceremony provided Mission Possible students with the opportunity to engage with and learn from one another through their project presentations and
interactions. By sharing stories of the successes and challenges, students were able to expand their knowledge on project management and leadership while absorbing key takeaways.
During presentations, students even posed questions to their peers to stimulate discussion on the SDGs and youth action. Aishani Bhangay, a student from Meridian School in Hyderabad asked, “If you could identify one SDG – an SDG that is at the root of solving all the problems, what would you say it is?” Responses included SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, with each answer providing different insights and perspectives to consider.
Alongside learning from one another, Mission Possible students were also able to receive feedback from Ms. Leena Gupte, Project Manager, India Operations Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Ms. Gupte offered students an opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking and evaluation skills by asking challenging questions on certain aspects of their projects. Such project management tools are necessary for Mission Possible students to hone their skills as Agents of Change in current and future endeavors.
“Sustainable development must start at a place close to home, and what is a school but a home to youth?” concluded, Aadithya Athreya. The Mission Possible journey has transformed these students into responsible global citizens and Agents of Change who are determined to address and solve global challenges affecting communities in their environment, and around the world.
See the photos of the Closing Ceremony here.
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For more information, please email missionpossible@wfuna.org or Ms. Soujanya Ganig, National Program Coordinator – India at ganig@wfuna.org.
About Mission Possible:
Mission Possible is WFUNA’s flagship global citizenship education program. Over the course of a semester, high school students acquire global competencies and 21st century skills, learn about the United Nations and the SDGs, and apply their learning through student-led projects on topics that are important to them and their communities.
Mission Possible was launched in India by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) in 2015 with the support of the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Learn about Mission Possible here.
