By Khalifa Hemed
Published September 6, 2023
Some 101 young individuals representing 48 countries have been awarded the Global Youth Action Fund by International Baccalaureate (IB) that says it seeks to recognize and empower students who are taking the lead to address pressing global challenges at IB World Schools and beyond. The award will provide the students with more than US$230800 in grant funding.
According to IB, ‘more than 500 changemakers showcased their commitment to creating a better world by submitting projects that tackle issues ranging from sustainability and equity to social justice. Each project supports one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and was reviewed on the following selection criteria: impact, stage of project, collaboration and school support. Each awardee will receive up to $3,000 in funding for their project, mentorship, and online training on social entrepreneurship to transform and develop further their powerful idea to make an impact on their community’.
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IB says it ‘supports student development and growth by creating and offering opportunities such as the Global Youth Action Fund grant to foster independent autonomous learning and to nurture future leaders and changemakers. Through educational programmes, the IB aims to equip young minds with the tools they need to navigate complex global issues and drive impactful change. We acknowledge the pivotal role that educators and mentors play in nurturing these young visionaries, underscoring the collaborative effort required to drive meaningful impact’.
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Of the 101 awardees, 17.8% are non-IB students, underscoring the IB’s dedication to making its educational programmes accessible to a wide cohort of students, breaking down barriers and ensuring inclusion far beyond students’ local context and community.
“The IB Global Youth Action Fund stands as a testament to the boundless potential of young individuals to drive positive change. These winners have showcased innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges. Their actions reflect the core values of IB education, emphasizing the importance of education for action and fostering a sense of responsibility for our world. We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to witness the enduring impact they will create,” says Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of IB.
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