Case Study | UNESCO Associated Schools
Leading Organization
UNESCO
Location
Canada-wide
Overview
Launched in 1953, the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) aims “to build peaceful and sustainable societies in the minds of children and young people” by connecting schools, educators and students across continents. The network helps students reflect on global challenges such as peace, climate action, human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development while contributing to positive change in their own communities.
At ASPnet schools, students discover and develop their roles as global citizens through education built upon ASPnet’s four areas of learning: learning to be, learning to know, learning to do, and above all, learning to live together.
More than 130 schools in Canada are part of the ASPnet as members or candidates, benefitting from the network’s youth networking opportunities, teaching tools and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Worldwide, there are about 11,500 participating schools in more than 180 countries.
ASPnet responds directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 by promoting inclusive, equitable, quality education. It supports SDG 4.7, too: Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development.
"Being part of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network gives Canadian schools a sense of belonging to something bigger—a global movement of educators and students working together to build a better world. It’s about sharing ideas, inspiring one another, and taking action for peace, sustainability, and global citizenship."
- Sergio Rodriguez, Education Program Officer, CCUNESCO
Engagement and Solutions
ASPnet schools in Canada commit to upholding UNESCO’s values and engaging in projects that support its priorities. Among other annual requirements, schools in Canada must participate in at least two projects associated with four themes:
- Promoting UNESCO’s mission and values
- Global citizenship education
- Education for sustainable development
- Reconciliation
Schools must also celebrate at least two United Nations Days (for example, International Migrants Day, International Literacy Day, and so on) and submit annual reports to their provincial coordinator.
However, schools are not left to their own devices to dream up projects that meet ASPnet’s standards. UNESCO provides many resources and connection opportunities for students and teachers to draw inspiration from their global peers.
Outcomes and Future Vision
Because the designation is built around principles rather than prescriptive ideas, ASPnet enables schools to pursue projects that best address their needs. In Canada, schools have met ASPnet’s requirements—and more importantly, grown awareness and impact of global citizenship—through projects like:
- Planting a Medicine Wheel garden made up of native species that serves as a base to support native pollinators and educate students about Indigenous cultural practices and knowledge (Olds High School, Alberta)
- Revitalizing a school yard to create new outdoor learning spaces that will help support students’ mental health and build their connections to the land (Elm Creek School, Manitoba)
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO provides research and resources to help school communities to grow their impact. From language revitalization manuals for Indigenous communities and schools to guides on how to use art to promote UNESCO’s values, the library offers much inspiration.