Students

This section provides key information for students who wish to participate in AISA GISS.

What is the Global Issues Network?

Mission: To empower young people to collaborate locally, regionally and globally in order to create sustainable solutions for global issues.

Inspiration: JF Rischard, former World Bank Vice President Europe and his book “High Noon: 20 global problems, 20 years to solve them” – Exponential changes creating unprecedented global issues mean that complementary solutions to existing institutions are needed. The concept of networks will bring speed, flexibility and action.
Begun by teachers and students from six international schools in Europe, the program is based upon High Noon: Twenty Global Problems, Twenty Years to Solve Them by Jean-François Rischard, former World Bank Vice-President for Europe. Rischard describes imminent issues that can only be solved through global cooperation. Among these are water shortages, global warming, environmental degradation, infectious diseases, poverty, illiteracy, depletion of fisheries, peacekeeping, and the loss of ecosystems.

Rischard notes that the existing institutions charged with addressing such issues, namely nation-states, government departments and international organizations, are self-serving, cumbersome and inadequate for the task. He calls for an alternative model of global governance based upon independent global networks that are flexible and super-responsive.
International schools already represent a network of independent organizations that co-ordinate their worldwide efforts toward a common purpose, and are therefore an excellent platform to apply Mr Rischard’s concepts. Students can be encouraged to think systemically about real issues while also taking action to improve the human condition. This approach involves collaboration rather than competition, where students assume leadership of their own program. Their network should promote both face-to-face conferences and on-going communication via the latest technologies.

 

20 Global Problems: 20 Years to Solve Them

Sharing our planet: Issues involving the global commons

  1. Global warming
  2. Biodiversity and ecosystem losses
  3. Fisheries depletion
  4. Deforestation
  5. Water deficits
  6. Maritime safety and pollution

Sharing our humanity: Issues requiring a global commitment

  1. Massive step-up in the fight against poverty
  2. Peacekeeping, conflict prevention, combating terrorism
  3. Education for all
  4. Global infectious diseases
  5. Digital Divide
  6. Natural disaster prevention and mitigation

Sharing our rulebook: Issues needing a global regulatory approach

  1. Reinventing taxation for the 21st century
  2. Biotechnology rules
  3. Global financial architecture
  4. Illegal drugs
  5. Trade, investment, and competition rules
  6. Intellectual property rights
  7. E-commerce rules
  8. International labor and migration ruleshttp://www.globalissuesnetwork.org/page/about-gin

 

How does my school create a Global Issues Network club and what role could this club play on our campus?

All you need to do to start a Global Issues Network club at your school is:

  • find a teacher who will serve as your sponsor/advisor;
  • find a place to meet each week; advertise your meetings;
  • inspire participants to become aware of global issues and begin to make changes on your campus as a result (environmental initiatives, service projects in your local community, aware campaigns, etc.)

 

How do I register and then attend the Global Issues Service Summit?

How much does it cost?

Your teacher advisor must register for you. If you register online by the early bird registration deadline (Nov. 30, 2012) it costs $200. If you register by the regular registration deadline (Dec. 14, 2012) it costs $225.

You also have the option to donate $5.00 per person to offset the carbon footprint of the summit. The money will be used to purchase trees that students will plant during the summit.

How do I register?

Your teacher advisor (the person accompanying your team to GISS 2013) must complete your registration for you. They will click on the registration link on the home page and follow instructions.

How do I arrange to get to Nairobi for the summit?

If your school is bringing a team to the summit, your teacher will arrange your flights, etc.

How can I communicate with other students who are already involved in GIN/GISS?

There are many online options for communicating with students active with GIN/GISS. For instance, click on the Facebook or Twitter links on the aisa-giss.org home page and connect that way. Online forums are also available through http://www.globalissuesnetwork.org/page/about-gin.

 

What happens during a Global Issues Service Summit and what am I expected to do as a participant?

What are the key aspects of a summit?

Check out the “Summit Programme” link for a full view of the summit details. Key aspects include keynote speakers, workshops, expert panels, simulations, sustainability teams and a day of service.

What responsibilities will I have?

As a participant, you will be responsible for being an engaged and active member of your sustainability team, and for becoming more aware of the issues facing our world today. Ultimately, you will be responsible for taking what you’ve learned at the summit and applying it in your own community to change things for the better.

What are some guidelines for the student-led workshop?

Thorough preparation for student-led workshops is crucial if workshops are going to be successful.

In the  reflections after the previous four years of GISS, students have emphasized the value in preparing for and participating in workshops that are led by students who are as passionate as they are about working together on solutions for Global Issues. The following are just a few of the perspectives that students expressed.

  • “This workshop experience builds our own service learning leadership skills and provides a valuable connection to other young people for future collaboration.
  • Experiencing the  creativity of other students inspires us to try similar presentation and participatory techniques.
  • We appreciate the amount of work it takes to ignite the enthusiasm required to break a cycle of apathy about Global Issues.
  • We see that we can make powerful impacts now, and that we can’t just wait until we are adults to start creating the change we know the world needs.”

Some guidelines for this year’s workshops are:

  1. Student workshops are 45 minutes in length, including participatory activity and time for questions and discussion of “next steps”.
  2. Each school should plan to present one workshop; if your team would like to do another, please contact us.
  3. Workshops should focus on a global issue and can be rooted in a project you are running at your school.
  4. The best workshops every year are those that include interesting and engaging activities, discussions and “out of the box” learning; teachers, please coach your students on how to plan a 45-minute presentation that includes these types of approaches

An excellent step for AISA-GISS 2014 might be to have students create a multimedia workshop guide that would highlight excellent presentation and participatory techniques.  This could be posted on the website and collected over the years.

What is service day and what will I be doing? Do I need special clothes or footwear or equipment?

Everyone participates in service day. You will be able to choose your top 3 service options and we’ll do our best to get you into a group that appeals to you. You could be planting trees, helping in a children’s home or learning a new skill alongside local Kenyans. See the service day options under “Summit Programme”. You should wear closed-toed shoes for your service activity, along with clothes that can get dirty. Sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle are also necessities.

How much spending money should I bring to the summit?

There will be a craft & NGO fair during the summit, so you may want to bring some spending money. You may also need some pocket money for snacks at the airport. Approximately $100 (US) is adequate and will allow you do some shopping at the fair if you would like to do so. If you don’t intend on doing any shopping, $50 will be adequate.

 

What should I pack for the summit?

You should pack three changes of clothes, including some dress casual items to wear on the day you present your workshop (all schools will present a workshop). You should also pack service day clothes, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle and a hat. A digital camera is a good idea. Pajamas and toiletries should also make their way into your bag. You MUST pack a refillable water bottle for the summit as these will not be provided this year; in the spirit of being green and seeking sustainable solutions to environmental problems, the ISK team will not order water bottles for this summit. This is in line with our Global Issues Network’s club initiative from 2010 to eliminate consumable plastic from the ISK campus.

 

Do I need a visa or any special documentation?

Most visitors to Kenya apply for an ordinary/tourist visa upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You will be given a form to fill out on arrival. Ordinary/tourist visas cost $50 per person.

Please consult the following web site to determine if you need a visa to enter Kenya. There are several passports that will not require a visa: http://www.immigration.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=140

 

Which schools are likely to attend?

2012 participating schools from Africa included:

  • American International School of Mozambique
  • American International School of Johannesburg
  • American International School of Lusaka
  • Harare International School
  • International School of Kenya
  • International School of Uganda
  • International Community School Addis Ababa
  • African Leadership Academy
  • Haven of Peace Academy, Dar es Salaam
  • International School of Tanganyika
  • AS Antananarivo
  • International School of Kigali
  • International School of Iringa
  • Brookhouse International School, Nairobi
  • International School of Lagos, Nigeria
  • American International School of Yaounde

 

Where will I stay while at the summit and are there rules in terms of behavior?

All students are hosted by ISK home stay families. You will be matched with a family and will stay in that family’s home. You will be billeted to a family along with 1-4 other members of your school team. That means you will be staying with your own peers and friends; at the same time, you’ll be able to get to know some ISK students and families. A behavior contract will be sent to all participants prior to the summit. Major rules include no alcohol or drugs, no improper/disrespectful dress and/or behavior, and obeying the house rules of your host family.

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