Written by Ms. Mona Wazzi, NAIS Pudong
In a world where the pursuit of social change often takes a backseat to physical appearance and virtue signalling, it is refreshing to witness the genuine commitment of Generation Z (Gen Z) towards making a difference.
As the Social Impact Lead at a NAIS Pudong, I am inspired by the passion and drive exhibited by our students as they actively strive to minimise their impact on the environment and engage in social and political causes.
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in Zofia Niemtus’ article Social Purpose: Real World Value or Virtue Signalling? which can be found in the brand new Nord Anglia Education INSIGHTS digital magazine (original article can be found by clicking 'Read More' below). It is crucial that we not only teach children about making a difference but also provide them with meaningful opportunities to engage in social impact initiatives.
Education for social impact is not just a buzzword; it is a transformative force that equips our students with the tools they need to become change-makers in our world.
The article highlights the growing interest among Gen Z in actively minimising their impact on the environment and being involved in social and political causes. This aligns perfectly with our mission to develop creative, confident, and considerate learners. At NAIS Pudong, we are proud to be working on projects that equip our students with the skills and resources to amplify their voices and make a local and global impact.
In honour of World Children's Day, our school has embarked on a series of community projects, each assigned to different year groups. Our goal? To raise awareness about pressing issues and create a positive impact right here in our community.
One of our remarkable projects focuses on winter clothing accessibility; we aim to ensure that everyone in our community has access to warm clothing. To turn their ideas into reality, we have initiated a heartfelt campaign to collect winter clothing items such as coats, hats, and gloves for those in need. Together, we can provide warmth and shed light on the pervasive issues of poverty and inequality.
Moreover, the Niemtus article emphasises the link between social impact and mental health. When students feel a sense of efficacy and engagement with the world around them, they are more likely to experience positive mental well-being. By instilling in our students a sense of empowerment and the belief that they can make a difference, we are not only shaping their understanding of the world but also promoting their overall mental health.
Furthermore, our students are determined to assess the accessibility of our school for individuals with disabilities. They are conducting thorough evaluations across various areas within our campus to identify potential challenges faced by individuals with different disabilities in their daily activities. This assessment will guide us in developing a proposal outlining recommendations to enhance the accessibility of our school environment. Together, we aim to create an inclusive space where every individual can thrive and succeed.
The success stories of Kisum Chan and Rice Inc further highlight the importance of fostering an environment that encourages students to think outside the box and champion their own destinies. By providing opportunities for students to work on projects they care about, we are nurturing their passion for social impact and equipping them with the skills necessary to create meaningful change.
Through these diverse community projects, NAIS Pudong is nurturing a sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility within our students. They are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active agents of change. By actively participating in these projects, they develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our society and the importance of collective action. Together, we can create a brighter future for all!
Education for social impact is not just about appearances or virtue signalling; it is about equipping our students with the tools they need to become active global citizens. At NAIS Pudong, we are committed to developing creative, confident, and considerate learners who are prepared to tackle real-world challenges. By investing in social impact projects and fostering a sense of social purpose, we are preparing our students for success in all aspects of life, be it in their future careers, families, or as responsible members of society.