The need for inclusive and quality education for all has never been as relevant as it is today. Creating an environment that promotes learning from a global perspective has become imperative as global migration, advancements in technology, ecological issues, and cultural and linguistic diversity increasingly become the norm.
We live in a world where we can’t remain untouched by the impact of globalisation, which has – whether we like it or not – drawn us into its deep and intricate web. If we have to live on this planet, we must, as a global citizen, embrace cultural diversity and support, and care for people to create a path for sustainable living.
According to United Nations, the term, global citizenship, refers to the belief that individuals are members of multiple, diverse, local and non-local networks rather than single actors affecting isolated societies. Promoting global citizenship in sustainable development will allow individuals to embrace their social responsibility to act for the benefit of all societies, and not just their own.
Adani Vidya Mandir (AVM), run by the Adani Foundation at four locations in the country, provides free education to children belonging to the weaker sections of society who lack opportunities to exploit their talent. AVM wants to be recognised as an institution that imparts education to young children to become high achievers in their chosen fields and also responsible citizens. It encourages children to develop a global mindset that can build unique capabilities, transcending cultures to create value for self and society.
AVM, Ahmedabad, recently received the UNESCO Model ASPnet School certification, making it the first in Gujarat to receive the prestigious recognition. ASPnet is a global network of millions of students and educators committed to promoting UNESCO’s values through education. Created in 1953, this network motivates schools to provide education on the lines of the UNESCO mandate that sees education as a unifying movement to promote peace through international understanding. “ASPnet is actually a laboratory of ideas for educational quality, innovation and transformation for Sustainable Development Goal 4 Target 7 and as a driver for evidence-based policy advocacy,” says a study.
UNESCO’s concept of citizenship is rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. There’s an interesting anecdote from the time of drafting of the declaration, when UNESCO approached Mahatma Gandhi for his response to an inquiry into the philosophical and theoretical foundations of human rights. The Mahatma’s response was that the right to life is given to us only when we fulfill our duty as world citizens that requires everyone’s participation in building a democratic society. ASPnet’s context is based on this belief.
The Adani Foundation takes inspiration from the Gandhian philosophy. The Foundation believes that educational institutions have a responsibility to foster in educators and learners the fact that they are members of both a local and a larger global community and can use their skills and education to contribute to them. AVM ensures that all students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
