Three Year 11 students from BIS Hanoi, part of Nord Anglia Education, recently took part in the annual NAE-UNICEF Student Summit held in Houston, Texas. This summit, hosted at The Village School and the British International School of Houston, brought together over 120 Nord Anglia students from across the globe. Houston, recognized as the first “Child-Friendly City” in the US, hosted the summit for the first time this year.
The theme of the 2024 summit was “Innovation,” focusing on how students contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and drive positive change in their communities. Participants engaged in workshops led by UNICEF, the World’s Largest Lesson, and Generation Global to develop advocacy skills, enhance leadership qualities, and make meaningful impacts in their local areas.
At the “Global Issues Solutions Fair,” students presented projects addressing key challenges outlined by UNICEF, such as nutrition, education, and healthcare. They also led peer discussions, sharing their initiatives in sustainability, climate action, and social equity.
In addition to their summit activities, students volunteered locally in Houston. Educator chaperones attended professional learning sessions to better support their students in social impact initiatives.
Nia Cooper, Head of Secondary Enrichment at BIS Hanoi, praised the previous ambassadors and expressed confidence in the newly appointed ambassadors, Katie, Julie, and Nguyen Anh from Year 11. These students were selected for their leadership potential and are expected to make significant contributions upon their return from Houston.
Reflecting on her experience, Katie Nguyen appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with peers worldwide who share her passion for social impact. She highlighted the valuable insights gained from UNICEF workshops on the SDGs.
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Julie Shin found the summit transformative, noting the structured approach it provided for addressing real-world issues at her school. She valued the diverse perspectives shared during workshops and enjoyed the camaraderie among participants.
Nguyen Anh described the summit as a memorable experience that broadened her cultural horizons and honed her public speaking and advocacy skills through various workshops.
Julie added that conversations with peers underscored the global effort required to achieve the SDGs, motivating her to advocate for more concrete actions.
Beyond the summit, Nord Anglia schools engage students in SDG initiatives through Social Impact Distinctions and grants. These efforts recognize schools’ commitments to children’s rights and sustainability goals, exemplified by projects like Chalk Road from BIS Hanoi, which received $9,000 in NAE Social Impact Grants to support holistic education in Vietnam’s mountainous regions.