A World of Hope: United Nations Celebration
Rectangular pieces of colorful paper adorned with important symbols were seen waving from the tiny hands of children wearing foreign yet recognizable attire. Greetings heard from them were unfamiliar yet warm. Elsewhere, varied ways and walks of life were displayed and portrayed not by the people of the past. Recurring concerns of today were confronted in imagined offices of no else but the leaders of tomorrow. It is said, “School is a microcosm of society,” so for one day, Hope Christian High School transformed into a miniature world that reflects the values of the United Nations.
Just as the member countries of the UN are diverse, Hopeans showed diversity in celebrating the UN, too. The PYP Department commemorated the annual symbolic event with colors, performances, and reflections. The meaningful and festive celebration commenced with the parade of the preschool students. They wore culturally inspired costumes of different countries like Mexico, Brazil, Egypt, Spain, India, and Japan. These young students also passed a globe to the representatives of the elementary students. This handover ceremony symbolizes cooperation and shared commitment toward global progress.
Parade of Nations
Handover Ceremony
After the opening program, PYP students went their separate ways to celebrate the UN like independent nations with their distinct ways of life. The Nursery pupils brought the event to life with storytelling and singing. Through the story “We Are All Alike… We Are All Different,” written and illustrated by the Kindergarteners of Cheltenham Elementary School, the students learned that despite everyone’s differences in skin color and other features, God loves everyone the same. Through the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children (of the World),” they were able to express the unity and love among them despite their diversity.
Meanwhile, Junior Kinder rooms turned into a museum of national symbols from across the globe. Displays of featured animals like Australia’s koala, China’s panda, and Canada’s black bear were set up. Prominent landmarks and structures like the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Merlion were also showcased. One of the highlights, nonetheless, is the display of our country’s very own: the jeepney. This exhibit highlighted the important roles of symbols in representing a country’s history, culture, and identity.
Exhibit of national symbols and prominent landmarks
The students also enjoyed coloring the flags of different nations. In doing so, the Junior Kinder students discovered that flags represent each country, and as special symbols, they must be treated with respect and care.
Carrying on their duties as the Little Ambassadors of the day, select Kinder students visited the Preschool, Grades 1 and 2 classrooms. Dressed in their national attire, they greeted other students with simple phrases in the language of the country they represented. They also shared fun facts about these countries.
The Little Ambassadors visiting preschool and lower primary classes
As the preschoolers focused on the symbolic commemoration, the elementary students expressed their understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a series of performances. Grade 1 students showed a dramatic performance on SDG 9: Responsible Consumption and Production. It highlighted the important role of mindful choices in consuming and producing materials that might harm the environment. Grade 2 students performed a skit on SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. They also presented different celebrations and traditions in connection with their central idea. Grade 3 students, on the other hand, embodied the roles of police officers, teachers, doctors, judges, firefighters, barangay captains, and citizens, showing how each individual can contribute to achieving SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Grade 4 students did not fall behind in delivering a compelling dramatization entitled “From Babel to the World,” which showed the importance of unity and cooperation. The students were able to connect the Tower of Babel story to SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. In connection with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Grade 5 students, meanwhile, showcased how simple ideas can transform into life-changing inventions.
UN celebration performances of elementary students
The elementary students also participated in a series of talks related to other SDGs prior to the UN Day celebration. Ms. Sheena Ong talked about children’s rights; Mr. Justine Mora tackled the roles of the community. Mr. Jericho Del Rio of the Rights of Nature PH discussed the rights of nature to exist, regenerate, and evolve. The students came to understand that individuals have rights and shared responsibilities to exercise and uphold.
A discussion on the rights of nature
While younger students honored the UN with parades, exhibits, performances and talks, the high school students brought the event to a deeper exploration. The festivity radiated in the high school corridors through the colorful decorations, but a hint of purpose hung in the air. The classrooms boasted the official logos of regional organizations like the ASEAN as they transformed into its lobbies and offices. The students presented the role of such cooperatives in promoting sustainable development and global solidarity. They prepared interactive displays and engaging presentations about the organizations and SDGs assigned to their respective sections. Through a creative gallery walk, the students showcased the power of collective action in solving global issues.
Gallery Walk on regional organizations and SDGs
For one day, Hope Christian High School became a miniature world where global respect and cooperation were made true. Nevertheless, by taking action and continually committing to its shared responsibilities to uphold peace, justice and solidarity, addressing issues will never be impossible for the world beyond.