Education can change the world - why doesn't it?

Our schools value academic attainment and progress, examinations ands most have a vision to create good people and leaders.

We have the landscape as educational leaders to change the world.

A vision where we focus on developing exceptional attitudes towards each other and the wider world.

A vision where resilience and bravery and and the courage to approach new learning and life opportunities are key - and all learners do it with curiosity and drive.

A vison where our students celebrate and respect the unique contributions made by every member of they school and understand the value that each individual brings to the community

A vision where there is a critical role of empathy and compassion in education and its impact on the development of students as future leaders and for leaders and teachers to actively instil these traits in order to combat ideological polarities, promote critical thinking, and foster harmonious relationships.

The role of global leaders.

If the interconnectedness of humanity and the world, can become as important as academic success - then this really will prepare young people to be equipped make a difference and lead on global challenges such as climate change and conflict

Global leaders can raise the stake in educations future to guide schools strong driving education as the key to change and innovation.

As educational leaders, there are several ways to support the vision outlined for schools.

Here are some strategies:

1. Curriculum Development so that subjects that focus explicitly on empathy, compassion, global interconnectedness, and critical thinking.
2. Teacher Training and Development providing professional development workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions could be used to enable teachers to effectively promote empathy, compassion, critical thinking, and global awareness.
3. Student Engagement: Create opportunities for students to celebrate diversity, recognize the value of individual contributions, and engage in activities that foster empathy and resilience. This could include organizing cultural exchange programs, community service initiatives, and leadership development opportunities.
4. Collaboration with External Organizations: Partner with organizations that share similar values and goals. This could involve collaborating with community groups, NGOs, or even technology companies like Google to leverage their resources and expertise in promoting global awareness and empathy.
5. Technology Integration such as online platforms and educational tools, to connect students with peers from diverse backgrounds globally and help in promoting a sense of global interconnectedness and understanding.
6. Policy Advocacy that supports the holistic development of students, including the integration of empathy, compassion, and critical thinking into the education system. This might involve engaging with government bodies and educational authorities to influence educational policy.

It is our purpose as educational leaders to drive the vision and prepare students to be our future global leaders capable of addressing significant challenges such as climate change and conflict.

Real change begins when we choose hope. By believing that we have the power to make an impact, we take the first step on the journey to changing our world. The choice is yours. But we are not alone. This is an invitation from the IB to join an inspiring community that will help us think boldly, nurture our curiosity, and empower us to act together.

Dr Tassos Anastasiades