ST Benedict’s College, Mango Hill, had an early insight into an educational program being run for students around the world in the lead-up to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
At a special Global Citizen Day students were introduced to the program “inspire>aspire: Global Citizens in the Making” which supports the development of character and values in students aged 10 to 18.
Through the program students use a unique poster template (and supporting resources) to guide them through a journey of self-discovery and inspiration.
It concludes with them making informed statements about the type of person they want to become, their vision for a better world and what they will personally do to bring this vision to life.
Project communications officer Alex Gregg said the program, which was developed by educational charity Character Scotland for the Glasgow games in 2014, had reached more than 50,000 young people in 40 different Commonwealth nations and territories.
He said with the Gold Coast hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2018, the program was being offered to schools in Queensland, with St Benedict’s one of the first to get onboard.
“The current project is a poster award program and, using a special poster template, young learners are able to develop a personal plan of action inspired by the Commonwealth values,” he said.
“The aim is to help young Commonwealth citizens find ways to use the inspiration from Glasgow 2014 to develop future aspirations, while reflecting on their own personal qualities.”
Mr Gregg said student and teacher feedback revealed a transformational effect on many of those who took part in the program.
During the Global Citizen Day St Benedict’s students viewed PowerPoint presentations and videos from other young people who were already involved in the program.
They then talked in groups about people who inspired and motivated them in their own lives.
Student Jessica O’Connor said it was a great opportunity for the young people at St Benedict’s to connect with their peers around the world to discuss what they had in common and what were the differences they experienced.
She said it was interesting to hear the thoughts and ideas of others.
“Everyone has different opinions and we all find different things worrying and concerning, but we can all work together, no matter what country we live in, to make it better,” she said.
“We’re the next generation and I think it’s important that we come together and talk about these things.”
