Progressing Toward PEACE at Pickering College

Pickering College is part of the UNESCO associated schools network, connected to 10,000 schools around the world. These schools take action to promote UNESCO values and the network has three priorities: education for sustainable development, global citizenship education and inter-cultural and heritage learning.

Grade 12 student Sandra Rohani has worked with UNESCO firsthand as part of the Youth Advisory Group for almost two years.

“This council has connected me with students from other UNESCO schools all throughout Canada. We’ve been able to do really great work,” she said.

During her term with the group, they hosted a conference for students from across the country and also developed a manifesto that was presented at the COP 16 Summit in Colombia in October.

“I hope to bring all of PC’s amazing initiatives to a more national and global scale,” Sandra said, encouraging her fellow students to bring any ideas to her to share with the group.

As a UNESCO school and a diverse community representing more than 30 countries, Pickering College celebrates United Nations Day (UN Day) every year on October 24. This marks the anniversary of when the United Nations was officially formed in 1945. The day is marked with a full school Morning Meeting with a parade of flags representing the different member states. At this year’s meeting, each division highlighted initiatives they are taking that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

These goals, introduced by the UN in 2015, are a call to action to eliminate hunger and poverty, promote equality, education and strong economics, and address climate change and encourage sustainability.

“At PC, we recognize that achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is not just the responsibility of countries and governments; each of us has a role to play. We are committed to taking action across our Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools, actively engaging in projects that contribute to these goals,” said Amanda Zeng, Grade 12, at the meeting.

In Junior School, they focused on land-based learning efforts at Blue & Silver Farm and on campus in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land.

Middle School students shared how their SPARC projects related to the goals. The social justice & advocacy group’s work raising awareness for the unhoused with Blue Door shelters aligns with SDG 1: No Poverty. Meanwhile, the technology group building virtual games to combat isolation in seniors aligns with SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

“Poverty and the recent cost of living crisis is one reason why many people are experiencing homelessness. By ensuring people are aware of the importance of everyone’s life, we as a society will be more supportive and make resources available to them when they need it,” said Jahleel Reid, a Grade 7 student in the social justice & advocacy group.

Senior School shared examples from Global Leadership Program projects such as a period poverty campaign that aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality or a cold frame gardening project to produce that could be donated to the Newmarket Food Pantry, in alignment with SDG 2: No Hunger.

Students also highlighted school clubs such as JEDI, the Green Team and the Youth Action Organization who host initiatives and events throughout the year that show PC’s commitment to driving local progress toward global goals.