Impact SDG's in real life
During the first month of my job as an IB teacher for PYP 4, I had the privilege to lead my students in an engaging project that introduced them to the power of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of their learning on digital media, we came up with the idea of creating a video that highlighted real-life stories of individuals, such as Adama, Chamel, and Rene, who had their lives transformed by the SDGs. These stories ranged from access to quality education and clean water to the empowerment of women through small-scale businesses.
The students were tasked with selecting their favorite stories and discovering how the SDGs had positively impacted these individuals. It was an eye-opening experience for all of us. As we delved deeper into these stories, we began to understand the magnitude of global issues such as food scarcity, lack of education, and access to clean water that many people still face daily. The data we explored and the real-life struggles of these individuals helped my students recognize why the SDGs were created and how they aim to address such inequalities.
What stood out the most was the energy and excitement the students brought to the project. They not only connected with the stories but also became deeply invested in understanding the broader purpose of the SDGs. Their ideas fueled the entire process, from researching these real-life cases to creating the script for the video. The collaboration was inspiring. Students worked together to record voice overs, craft the narrative, and ultimately produce a short film that highlighted how these global goals bring hope and change.
The project wasn't without its challenges, but the students’ enthusiasm and their growing awareness of the world around them kept us all motivated. The final video was well-received by both the students’ peers and parents, and it was a fulfilling moment to witness the impact this project had on everyone involved.
This project marked my first hands-on experience with implementing the SDGs in the classroom, and it reinforced my belief in the importance of integrating global issues into everyday learning. Seeing how my students responded to these stories, how they grasped the significance of working together to create a better world was not only inspiring but deeply rewarding. This experience has motivated me to continue embedding the SDGs into my teaching practice, helping students connect with global challenges and understand their role in shaping a better future.
