Parents and students learn the meaning of global citizenship at ACS Hillingdon event

ACS International School Hillingdon welcomed parents, teenagers, teachers and members of the wider London community to learn what it means to be a global citizen during the school’s virtual event ‘The World Needs…Global Citizens’.

The event was headlined by Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy and Government Relations Officer at Global Citizen, who shared his compelling journey as a shy teenager, who, with the encouragement of a good teacher and inspiring friends, went on to coordinate several international advocacy campaigns, including The End of Polio campaign which he started when he was just 23 years old. The campaign has helped generate $1billion in support of global polio eradication efforts to date.

Michael explained his work with Global Citizen, which provides a platform for individuals to take small actions to have a big impact towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the organisation’s current work to ensure no country is left behind in the COVID-19 recovery. Importantly, Michael highlighted that through hard work and self-belief, everyone has the power to become a global citizen and make a positive impact.

‘‘The World Needs…Global Citizens’ was the second in a series of events by ACS International Schools, delving into the big societal and technological challenges the world is currently facing and considering exactly what kind of citizen the world needs to contribute to a better, more sustainable tomorrow.

As a school, I feel we have a duty to help open the eyes of our students to the lights of the world, and we are continually looking for new ways to inspire the global citizen we know is embedded in all of us.

- Martin Hall 

Opening the event was Sarah Kebbell, a current ACS Hillingdon Grade 12 student, who shared her experiences working towards the Global Citizen Diploma (GCD), an additional qualification offered by ACS Hillingdon to recognise student achievements beyond exam grades. Through the GCD, Sarah explained how she has not only had the opportunity but additional motivation, to get involved in volunteering opportunities; she is currently an NHS volunteer supporter, delivering groceries to vulnerable individuals.

The event was closed by Martin Hall, Head of School, ACS Hillingdon, who summarised what it means to be a global citizen and why it is so important for students of today to have that mindset when entering careers of tomorrow. Martin comments: “Being a citizen of the world is something I am personally passionate about and we hope our community felt inspired by our event. For me, being a global citizen includes embracing different cultures and languages, but, like Michael and Sarah outlined during the event, global citizenship is not just about travelling the world. Global citizenship is about curiosity and opportunity. It’s about identifying problems and asking questions; it’s about acquiring humility. It’s having the confidence to take responsibility for global issues and turn that responsibility into action"

"The World Needs…’ event series sees each of ACS’s three UK campuses highlighting a different area of importance in the world of tomorrow. Watch the event back on www.acs-schools.com/the-world-needs