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Tag: #SDGsandChildren

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CSR Education Health Livelihood Skill Development Smile

Achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030- How?

17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can be achieved collectively and by collective efforts

Sustainable Development Goals are no longer an unknown term, and the world is aiming to achieve these 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 for the welfare of every individual regardless of their socio-economic status. Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the SDGs have become a well-recognised framework for global development. These goals, encompassing 17 objectives and 169 targets, are designed to ensure everyone can live with dignity. 

They address a broad range of issues including poverty alleviation, quality education, gender equality, clean water and climate action, while also focusing on health, economic growth, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and justice. 

Therefore, as we approach 2030, it is important to evaluate our progress toward achieving the SDGs and identify strategies to accelerate our efforts. The aim must be to fully realise these goals across India, ensuring that every individual benefits from each SDGs.

Separate or Combined Goals?

Each Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is crafted to support and enhance the others, emphasising the strength of their interconnectedness. The first goal, “No Poverty,” sets the foundation for the remaining 16 goals, aiming to eradicate hunger, ensure access to quality education, healthcare, clean water and sanitation, and promote a healthier environment both on land and in water.

Additionally, the SDGs focus on providing underserved communities with equal financial opportunities and encourage nations to foster decent work and economic growth through industry development and technological innovation. The ultimate aim is to eliminate inequalities across all areas of life, ensuring that no one is left behind. This approach drives us toward an egalitarian world with sustainable communities that practise responsible resource management and support each other’s holistic development.

Collective Efforts for Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

Recently, during Charcha, India’s Largest Collaborative Convening held by The Nudge Institute, Mr Arun Maira, a former member of the Planning Commission of India, highlighted that to develop holistically, India needs to revisit its village development model by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals collectively and not just by focussing on particular themes, if we truly wish to achieve “Viksit Gaon, Viksit Bharat” in its truest essence.

To ensure that no one is left behind, Viksit Gaon and Viksit Bharat must support underserved communities in India through simultaneous and collective efforts in accessing and embracing quality education, healthcare, livelihood training, women’s empowerment and community building.. 

But how? These parameters can be a guiding light for all those involved in the realm of sustainable development- 

  • United Strategic Partnerships 

Over the years, strategic partnerships between government initiatives and social stakeholders, including corporates and social development organisations, have consistently driven greater positive transformations than single entities acting alone. SDG 17 emphasises the crucial role of these collaborations, highlighting that achieving the SDGs and their interconnectedness requires collective efforts towards shared objectives.

  • Financing (SDGs) Sustainable Development Goals 

To keep the momentum of implementing the sustainable development goals, it is imperative that the state continues investing in mechanisms that help in equipping underserved communities with the benefits of the SDGs. By implementing new techniques and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the state and social stakeholders can collectively adopt newer ways of speeding up and achieving the sustainable development goals for all.

  • Transparency with Technology

Advancing and spreading new technologies, alongside gathering high-quality, timely and reliable data, are crucial for implementing the SDGs. Enhancing access to technology and boosting capabilities for technological development are essential. It is also vital to utilise the most effective information technology tools and resources across sectors such as clean energy, health and information.

Smile & 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

Before the globe committed towards Sustainable Development Goals, the approach was focussing only on Millenium Development Goals, with a focus only on developing countries. However, this approach had to be changed as collective development became more of the need of the hour rather than selective empowerment.

In this context, Smile Foundation is dedicated to supporting underserved communities in India through our LifeCycle Approach. This strategy ensures that disadvantaged children and their communities benefit from quality education, accessible and free healthcare, livelihood training for improved employment prospects and comprehensive women’s empowerment, including reproductive healthcare and financial independence. Additionally, we strengthen grassroots organisations to foster community development and break the cycle of generational economic stagnation.

Our LifeCycle approach has enabled us to empower underserved children and families across India, impacting over 1.5 million individuals in 2,000 villages across 25 states annually.

Our flagship programs, including Mission Education, align with the National Education Policy to enhance foundational language, numerical skills (FLN) and STEAM education, providing a strong base for children’s future success. In healthcare, Smile On Wheels (SOWs) offers comprehensive mobile medical services, including OPD facilities, diagnostic tests and free medications, while the Swabhiman programme focuses on maternal, menstrual and neonatal health.

Furthermore, initiatives like STeP and Swabhiman empower youth and women through vocational training, boosting employability and entrepreneurship. This holistic support approach drives economic independence and societal upliftment.

Dedicated to supporting government initiatives for underserved communities in India, Smile Foundation actively incorporates the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into our programmes through our comprehensive LifeCycle approach. We work strategically to address every SDG theme in collaboration with government and corporate partners. We focus on creating significant impacts, building resilience and advancing sustainable development and community strengthening nationwide, working towards the idea that no one is left behind.

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Education

Building SDGs into the School Syllabus

Benefits of Early Childhood Education 
Benefits of Early Childhood Education 

In a world with complex challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, wars and global health crises, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future. While governments, businesses and organisations worldwide are working towards achieving these goals, the role of education in promoting awareness, understanding and action on the SDGs cannot be overstated. This needs to be done by building SDGs into the school syllabus.

By integrating the SDGs into the school syllabus, we have the opportunity to nurture a generation of empowered and socially conscious individuals who are equipped to address the pressing issues of our time.

Why Integrate SDGs into the School Syllabus?

Integrating the SDGs into the school syllabus serves several important purposes. Firstly, it exposes students to the global challenges and opportunities outlined in the SDGs from a young age, fostering a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. By incorporating topics of social value into various subjects, students develop a holistic understanding of these issues and their interconnectedness. This multidisciplinary approach encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and empathy, essential skills for navigating the world with practical knowledge about things of great importance.

Furthermore, integrating the SDGs into the school syllabus helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. Instead of learning about abstract concepts in isolation, students engage in real-world projects and activities that address local and global challenges.

Whether it is conducting environmental audits, organising community service projects or advocating for policy change, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways, making a tangible impact in their communities.

Case Studies and Best Practices for building SDGs into School Syllabus

Several countries and educational institutions around the world have already made significant strides in integrating the SDGs into their school syllabi. For example, in Finland, the national core curriculum emphasises sustainable development across all subjects, from mathematics to arts and crafts. Students learn about environmental conservation, social justice and responsible consumption through hands-on projects and experiential learning opportunities. Similarly, other countries incorporate the SDGs into the curriculum and promotes active citizenship and environmental stewardship.

In addition to national initiatives, many schools and educators are taking innovative approaches to integrate the SDGs into their teaching practices. For instance, some schools have adopted project-based learning models, where students work collaboratively on interdisciplinary projects related to the SDGs. Others have incorporated service-learning components, where students engage in community service projects aligned with specific SDGs, such as food drives, environmental clean-ups or health awareness campaigns.

Challenges and Opportunities

While integrating the SDGs into the school syllabus offers immense benefits, it also presents certain challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for teacher training and capacity building. Many educators may lack awareness or understanding of the SDGs and how to incorporate them into their teaching. Therefore, investing in professional development programs and resources is essential to support teachers in effectively integrating the SDGs into their curriculum.

Additionally, there may be logistical challenges, such as aligning curriculum standards, developing appropriate teaching materials and assessing student learning outcomes. However, these challenges also present opportunities for collaboration and innovation. By leveraging technology, partnerships with civil society organisations and peer-to-peer learning networks, educators can overcome these obstacles and create engaging and impactful learning experiences for students.

Conclusion

Experts emphasise the urgent need to popularise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among students and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This is with the recognition of students as potential ambassadors of change.

The capacity of students to instigate transformation, both individually and within their communities. Through their actions, students can generate positive change, focusing on personal goals and aspirations to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

Recognising the paramount importance of SDGs, experts are advocating for a significant increase in the incorporation of SDG-related themes into academic curricula. The transition from a mere 5 percent to 50 percent representation of SDGs in course content is being proposed, reflecting the growing significance of sustainability education across disciplines.

As educators, policymakers and stakeholders, we share a collective responsibility to ensure that every child receives a quality education that prepares them to contribute to a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. By embedding the SDGs into the school curriculum, we lay the groundwork for a brighter, more resilient, and inclusive future for generations to come.

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