By Ms. Aliaa Samaha
Through IVECA International Virtual Schooling, my students from Hayah Academy had the opportunity to engage in a global education experience this semester. IVECA partnered my students with classes from Butler Tech Ross High School in Hamilton, Ohio, USA and Daeshin High School in Daejeon, South Korea. Students had the opportunity to share a virtual conversation with their international friends that lasted throughout the semester as they all exchanged thoughts on each other's work and became friends.
Students were not only representing themselves, but also their school and their country. From this experience, my students learned to appreciate the similarities and differences in their communities, made meaningful connections, and shared ideas about promoting peace and sustainable development locally and globally.
Students across three continents worked collaboratively through virtual learning environments, using STEAM principles to find innovative solutions for the United Nations Sustainable Developments Goals. In teams, students identified concrete problem areas and proposed feasible solutions. The feedback my students received from their IVECA partners, encouraged them to design creative solutions taking into consideration possible obstacles and challenges.
During the “Live Class” on December 21st, 2020 students presented their solutions, shared cultural performances, and heard inspiring messages from their principals. Most importantly, students enjoyed celebrating their achievements with their friends around the world!