SDGs Academy

The Journey

The SDGs Academy for Children was launched in November 2020, during Arigatou International's Global Week of Faith in Action for children. The Academy serves as a safe physical and virtual space and a program for children to learn about Sustainable Development.

The Aim

To offer children aged 4 and above, with simplified and user-friendly multi-faith learning tools on the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and the SDGs.

The Physical spaces

The Pioneer hub

Was established and launched in 2021 in Limuru, Kenya and is managed by the End Child Poverty Secretariat and a dedicated group of volunteers.

The Model Classroom

Was launched on October 17, 2022, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, coinciding with the commemoration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP). It is hosted by the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement and managed by the Arigatou International - End Child Poverty Knowledge Centre.

Collaborative Partnerships for Lasting Impact

Both the Pioneer Hub and the Model Classroom have forged valuable partnerships with local, regional, and global organizations and institutions to deliver learning sessions on sustainable development.

Concept of the Academy

The Academy follows the concept and dimensions of Global Development Education (GDE). Through this approach, the Academy empowers individuals, particularly children, to cultivate the essential knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to foster a just and sustainable world, where everyone has the right to fully realize their potential.

Structure of the Academy

The SDGs Academy for Children comprises of 2 components – a programme and a space with 5 key elements that include : Physical and virtual spaces where learning sessions take place, Learning Course (with 3 modules, currently being developed as a storybook), Storytelling Campaign (to collect and tell children’s stories), Advocacy and Intergenerational Dialogue, and Multi-level game (available on app stores as “Children SDG Game”).

The 5 Hubs of the Spaces

	Knowledge Hub For research, storing and dissemination information.
	Innovations and Solutions Hub For working together to develop solutions tackling child poverty and realising the SDGs.
	Capacity Hub For training and building skills.
	Faith and Dialogue Hub For identifying faith resources, inspiration, theological reflection; and peer dialogue, as well as intergenerational dialogue on policies and programmes for children.
	Fun and Media Hub For learning through play, storytelling and some advocacy component as well.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Academy for Children