Sushila Birla Girls' School hosts Educators' Workshop to address challenges faced by youth

To empower educators and address the evolving challenges faced by students, Sushila Birla Girls’ School, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organised an engaging Educators' Round Table Workshop ‘Mainstreaming Education on Peace, Global Goals and the Rule of Law in Classrooms’ on November 9. The event, which saw the participation of 70 teachers from 18 renowned schools across the city, focused on key topics such as peer pressure, cyber risks, mental health, bullying and digital exposure.

The workshop, held at Sushila Birla School was led by two distinguished experts: Samarth Pathak, Communications Head (South Asia) and Regional Focal Point (Education) at UNODC, and Dr Satya Bhushan, Assistant Professor at the International Relations Division of NCERT. The workshop, a part of the initiative Their combined expertise created a dynamic and informative environment, fostering insightful discussions and providing practical solutions for educators. The workshop was a part of the international project RiseUp4Peace spearheaded by Pathak and dedicated to educators and students across the world.

One of the core themes discussed was the rising influence of digital exposure on young minds, with an emphasis on the importance of raising awareness about cyberbullying, mental health issues, and peer pressure. Teachers actively participated in innovative approaches aimed at building a more empathetic and supportive school environment. Among the ideas explored was the introduction of a ‘magic jar,’ a safe space for students to anonymously share their concerns, and the ‘role reversal day,’ an initiative designed to foster empathy and understanding through experiential learning. Each participant received certificates from UNODC for their commitment to the project.

In a message to participants, Koeli Dey, Principal, Sushila Birla Girls’ School, expressed pride in the school’s active role in fostering international cooperation for youth development. “Our school has always believed in the power of collaboration and innovation. Through our partnership with UNODC, we aim to nurture responsible, compassionate leaders who are committed to building a peaceful, just and inclusive society. This workshop is just one example of our ongoing efforts to provide our students and educators with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.”

As part of the workshop, students from Sushila Birla School showcased their remarkable projects, addressing global challenges such as SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), gender equality, AI for mental health and combating cyberbullying. Their creativity underscored young people's critical role as agents of change, highlighting the potential for future leaders to shape a better, more inclusive world.

This initiative advocates for peace, resilience, and inclusion among youth. Educators emphasised the importance of fostering support systems within schools and communities to help students build resilience in the face of challenges. To quote Pathak “Empowering young minds through initiatives like RiseUp4Peace is crucial in fostering a culture of peace and integrity among future leaders. The collaborative workshop at Sushila Birla Girls’ School in Kolkata showcased the transformative power of education in equipping students to champion harmony and lawfulness. School-led efforts like these are vital in building resilient communities, where youth stand at the forefront of positive change. UNODC stands committed to support such initiatives.”

Joyeta Saha, a teacher at the school and Co-lead Ambassador for RiseUp4Peace in East India, works tirelessly with her dedicated team of educators to mobilise the initiative across the region. They have played a key role in driving meaningful conversations on youth empowerment, lawfulness and inclusion, with a belief that it is essential for today’s youth, equipping them with the tools and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

Sushila Birla School continues to lead by example, providing its students and educators with the tools, resources, and collaborative platforms needed to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time. The school reaffirms its commitment to shaping a generation of mindful, resilient and compassionate individuals ready to make a difference in the world.