India: In Varanasi, RiseUp4Peace Initiative fosters student creativity and leadership for social good

Varanasi, India/03 August 2024:"Felt very positive today. I also made a new friend while doing this activity and together we learnt ways to work for a more inclusive society,” a student scribbled this note at a RiseUp4Peace workshop in Varanasi, encapsulating the power of participatory learning.

UNODC and the CBSE Varanasi Sahodaya Complex brought together 120 students, educators and principals from 18 public, private and rural schools to exchange and share inspiring ideas, solutions and perspectives on critical themes affecting societies and young people.

The dialogue helped students like Pratibha Das find new confidence and purpose beyond academics. “It was amazing to see how our ideas were valued. I learned how I can use my network building skills to advance gender equality. All it takes is to commit to a cause.” Through engaging group discussions led by Mr. Samarth Pathak from UNODC, Dr. Satya Bhushan from NCERT and Mr. AN Ramachandra, former Joint Commissioner (Academic), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samity, students discovered their own potential for leadership, empathy, and creativity.

A range of perspectives came to the fore: how gender divides impact mental health, how online body shaming is a form of cyber bullying, how expressing emotions through the pursuit of hobbies is key to mental well-being, and how dedicated students’ councils in schools can help raise awareness against negative influences.

A group of students developed an impromptu street-play (nukkad natak) on anti-corruption, highlighting the role of young people in promoting ethical values. Students expressed interest in building on the ideas to co-create solutions. “I can create online communities against cyber harassment. It’s an idea I commit to take forward,” said a young participant.   

Students are taking to heart the principles of peace and integrity and committing to apply their new knowledge in their schools and communities. Their engagement extends beyond the classroom as they work to transform their newfound understanding into actionable change.

In today's rapidly evolving world, young people face a myriad of challenges—from cyberbullying and substance abuse to mental health struggles and gender inequality. Addressing these issues through education is crucial for fostering resilience and creating a supportive environment for students. This is at the core of RiseUp4Peace initiative-empowering the next generation to resist negative influences and embrace positive values through education.

“The enthusiasm and innovative thinking displayed are a testament to the power of youth in driving positive change. Education can enable sensitization of students on integrity and ethics,” said Ms. Yashashri Shukla, Additional Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission, Government of India.

Educators also embraced the initiative’s focus on equipping them with innovative tools and strategies. Ms. Savita Joshi, an educator, said, “Seeing students step out of their comfort zones and collaborate with others was incredible. Such shared experiences are powerful in creating supportive learning environments.”

Ms. Kajal Tripathi, an educator added, “I was deeply inspired by the students’ unique thoughts and ideas on such complex themes as peace and justice. Their enthusiastic responses to these discussions show that they are not only absorbing the content but are also motivated to apply it in their lives.”

As the RiseUp4Peace initiative continues to support and empower young people, the stories of students and educators in Varanasi serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities.

Mr. Mukesh Shelat, Principal of DPS Varanasi, agrees. “The power of collective action and interdisciplinary approaches is key to tackle crime, drugs and risky behaviours. We need more such initiatives to sustain the momentum and amplify impact.”

Join the RiseUp4Peace initiative: t.ly/SjWRq

The activity contributed to SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/