Global Lighthouse Studios: Connecting Students and Educators Across 50 Countries for Inclusive Education
With over 25 years of dedicated classroom teaching, Donna Guerin recognizes the role of equity in education. Now, her Global Lighthouse Studios initiative is uniting to act for inclusive learning environments everywhere.
Quality Education is not just a Sustainable Development Goal — it is one of the keystones of the entire SDG Agenda. In fact, studies show that education helps reduce inequalities and empowers people everywhere to live healthier and more sustainable lives. That it is crucial to fostering tolerance between peoples and contributes to the development of more peaceful societies. And that education is a linchpin of gender equality, elevating women and the societies they live in.
With over 25 years of dedicated classroom teaching and an additional eight years of active involvement in global education initiatives, Donna Guerin recognizes the paramount importance of equity and diversity within the realm of education. Above all, she is impassioned by the idea of uniting individuals from all corners of the globe to foster inclusive learning environments.
Ms. Guerin launched Global Lighthouse Studios in 2021 with the vision of connecting students and educators around the world to create a better tomorrow. In just a few years, the organization has achieved remarkable growth, encompassing a sprawling network of over 70 schools in 50 countries, spanning six continents.
“We empower students to innovate, create solutions, and cultivate cross-cultural conversations about the future of education and our planet,” Ms. Guerin explained.
Through the Global Lighthouse Studios Foundation, students around the world are given opportunities to participate in projects that help ensure a safe and sustainable future for people and planet through unique learning experiences that are adapted to all types of learners. Active projects include “Water is Life”, which connected 90 classrooms across six continents to teach students about clean water and sanitation through the lens of music and art and ending with a concert in the Metaverse by Paulie Z. Meanwhile other schools around the world who are engaged with Global Lighthouse Studios have written and recorded their own original songs covering various Sustainable Development Goals.
“By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to understand and address global challenges, we can cultivate a generation of change-makers actively engaged in achieving the SDGs,” Ms. Guerin added.
The UN SDG Action Campaign spoke with Ms. Guerin in September during the Global Week to #Act4SDGs to understand how Global Lighthouse Studios unites to act for a better, more sustainable future for all
UN SDG Action Campaign: What challenge speaks to you the most and how are you and your organization uniting to act for the SDGs?
Donna Guerin: At Global Lighthouse Studios, we deeply commit ourselves to SDG 4: Quality Education, with the aim of ensuring equitable education worldwide. We understand that to build a sustainable future for all, immediate action is required to address pressing challenges such as climate change, access to clean water, and food insecurity. Among these priorities, our organization places particular emphasis on the challenge of achieving quality education for all.
As an organization, we actively unite to take concrete steps towards this goal. We leverage our resources, expertise, and partnerships to create inclusive educational opportunities, empower learners, and promote lifelong learning. By focusing our efforts on SDG 4, we strive to contribute to a brighter and more equitable future for individuals and communities across the globe. Our commitment to quality education aligns with our broader mission of fostering sustainable development and creating positive change in the world
What do you want to see happen right now in your sector that can contribute to inverting this negative trend and putting us back on the right path?
Our mission is to spread awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and inspire individuals, both students and adults, to take action.
Integrating SDG education into formal and informal learning environments is essential. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to understand and address global challenges, we can cultivate a generation of change-makers actively engaged in achieving the SDGs.
Collaboration and partnerships are also vital. Increased cooperation between educational institutions, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the private sector can leverage resources, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions.
Which individual or initiative inspires you to take action and continue to work towards a better future for all?
Global Lighthouse Studios is dedicated to fostering inclusive partnerships that respect and value the diverse perspectives, cultures, and voices of the communities we engage with. We believe that true progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be achieved by working together and ensuring that all stakeholders have a seat at the table.
Through our community-driven projects, we aim to co-create solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and impactful. By actively involving the communities we serve, we ensure that our initiatives address their specific needs and aspirations. By inspiring young minds to become active agents of change, we encourage their contribution towards the achievement of the SDGs.
At Global Lighthouse Studios, we are committed to building bridges and fostering collaborations that amplify our impact. We believe that by working together, respecting diversity, and co-creating solutions, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
What are the novel trends and opportunities that you think will be game-changing for SDG action?
Innovations in technology have the potential to revolutionize the future of education and our ability to address global challenges. The interactive nature of the Metaverse creates a unified global “hub” where people can connect, collaborate, and tackle various issues regardless of their physical location or resources.
The integration of digital tools in the Metaverse breaks down geographical and cultural barriers, enabling individuals to engage in real-world activities and contribute to solving global issues. This accessibility empowers people from diverse backgrounds to work together towards a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
At Global Lighthouse Studios, we recognize the opportunities that innovations in technology bring internationally. We are committed to leveraging these advancements to empower individuals, foster collaboration, and drive positive change towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
What has been a key turning point in your life? What have you learned from this that gives you hope for the current turning point we find ourselves in?
A key turning point in my life occurred in the spring of 2015 when I attended a professional development workshop that introduced me to the SDGs. This experience proved to be transformative, as it opened my eyes to the pressing global challenges we were facing and highlighted the potential for educators worldwide to collaborate towards a common goal.
This experience brought to the forefront the interconnectedness of these challenges and the power of collective action. It made me realize that no single country or individual could solve these problems alone; instead, it required a global effort and collaboration.
This turning point in my life instilled in me a sense of hope and optimism. Witnessing the passion and dedication of educators from different corners of the world, all committed to addressing these global challenges, was truly inspiring. It showed me that change was possible, and that by working together, we could make a significant impact.
What are the novel trends and opportunities that you think will be game-changing for SDG action?
Innovations in technology have the potential to revolutionize the future of education and our ability to address global challenges. The interactive nature of the Metaverse creates a unified global “hub” where people can connect, collaborate, and tackle various issues regardless of their physical location or resources.
The integration of digital tools in the Metaverse breaks down geographical and cultural barriers, enabling individuals to engage in real-world activities and contribute to solving global issues. This accessibility empowers people from diverse backgrounds to work together towards a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
At Global Lighthouse Studios, we recognize the opportunities that innovations in technology bring internationally. We are committed to leveraging these advancements to empower individuals, foster collaboration, and drive positive change towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
What has been a key turning point in your life? What have you learned from this that gives you hope for the current turning point we find ourselves in?
A key turning point in my life occurred in the spring of 2015 when I attended a professional development workshop that introduced me to the SDGs. This experience proved to be transformative, as it opened my eyes to the pressing global challenges we were facing and highlighted the potential for educators worldwide to collaborate towards a common goal.
This experience brought to the forefront the interconnectedness of these challenges and the power of collective action. It made me realize that no single country or individual could solve these problems alone; instead, it required a global effort and collaboration.
This turning point in my life instilled in me a sense of hope and optimism. Witnessing the passion and dedication of educators from different corners of the world, all committed to addressing these global challenges, was truly inspiring. It showed me that change was possible, and that by working together, we could make a significant impact.
