India: Guwahati Schools Unite to Strengthen Cybersecurity, Mental Health and Equality Through UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace Initiative

Guwahati, India/14 August 2024: In an era where young people face unprecedented challenges—from the pressures of social media to the dangers of cyberbullying—early intervention and guidance are critical.

Extending support to UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace initiative, educators and students from 14 schools in Assam converged at Guwahati’s Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School to brainstorm interventions to address these issues head-on. Gaining insights on key aspects of SDG16, they explored complex themes such as mental health, anti-corruption, gender-based violence, and cybersecurity.

“Education must go beyond textbooks. It’s about shaping hearts and minds to build a future where peace and justice prevail,” said Ranjana Harlalka, an educator, looking at a creative doodle made by a student on ‘imagined borders’. “Collaboration is key to open doors for such inclusive teaching.”

This sentiment captures the essence of the initiative, where the exchange of ideas between students and educators creates a collaborative environment for problem-solving. The demand for this initiative has been revealing, with more schools requesting similar sessions. This response underscores the urgent need for such programs, particularly in regions where students are vulnerable to negative influences.

“Ideating with students and hearing their views was really enlightening. It’s not just about teaching them; it’s about learning together. I’m leaving with new perspectives that I’m eager to implement in my school,” said a participating teacher. Educators also explored creative ways to integrate such themes in teaching, using art, technology and research and aligning with the objectives of India’s National Education Policy 2020.

Provided a ‘safe space’ to interact, students shared real-life examples of bullying, online risks and discrimination, and vowed to act for peace and social impact. In mixed groups, they interacted and explored using art, street plays and video blogs as mediums to promote social awareness for change.

The impact has been tangible. “It feels good to be doing something that matters and work with new people. I feel more empowered to talk about peace and equality and make a positive difference,” said Lekisha Jain, a student.

Join the RiseUp4Peace initiative: t.ly/SjWRq

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