Start Rite Schools Gains Global Recognition for Leading in Global Citizenship Education

Start Rite Schools Gains Global Recognition for Leading in Global Citizenship Education

Start Rite Schools has been named among the top institutions fostering Global Citizenship Education for 2024–25 through the Global Citizenship School initiative led by the Global Citizenship Foundation in partnership with UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development. This recognition affirms what parents, students, and educators within its community have long known: the school’s approach to education is geared towards shaping responsible, informed, and impactful global citizens.

From the earliest years, students engage with ideas that shape both character and competence, respect for diversity, environmental responsibility, community service, ethical technology use, and constructive dialogue. Global Citizenship Education is embedded alongside Education for Sustainable Development, creating an approach that unites academic achievement with values-driven leadership. This integration moves learning from theory into action, giving students opportunities to take part in projects and discussions that address real issues at local, national, and global levels.

One such student is Ethan Dilibe Ogiehor, a member of the COBIS Student Parliament, whose achievements reflect both academic depth and creative vision. He attended the Yale Young Global Scholars programme in the United States, where, over two weeks, he took part in intensive seminars and collaborative projects, including a session titled “Questions Concerning Technology” that examined the ethics of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and responsible technology use. Ethan is also an active participant in the Global COBIS Research Skills Competition, contributing to global discussions on students’ learning, safety, and well-being. Most recently, his proposed theme for the 2025/26 COBIS Poetry and Art Competition: Through Another’s Eyes, was selected by the COBIS Executive Team after a careful review and vote, placing his creativity on an international stage.

Oluwadamilola Johnson Adesoro, a UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer, recently served as a panelist during the Teen Summit organised by the Auxano Foundation themed #CyberSavvyTeens: Digital Power, Safe Online, Brave Offline. He addressed the importance of online safety and digital citizenship, speaking on the need to protect personal information, think critically before sharing content, and use the internet as a platform for learning, connection, and opportunity.

Another rising voice, Zainab Ilyasu, spoke as a panelist at the Abuja Education Conference held at Baze University. She shared her perspective on the benefits of educational technology and balanced this with a call for educators and students to sustain critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in the digital era.

On the alumni front, Zipporah Egenege, now at university, continues to channel the values she developed at Start-Rite into meaningful action. Through her platform, Zipporah Foundation, she drives social change and champions opportunities for the less privileged, turning conviction into measurable impact. Her journey is a testament to how the Start-Rite experience extends far beyond graduation, shaping graduates into individuals who carry a lifelong responsibility to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and inspire others to do the same.

This level of impact is no accident. It reflects a culture of vision and purpose championed by the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, LL.D., SAN. Drawing from this leadership, International Partnership Manager Mr. Daniel Chukwuemeka, under the guidance of the School Principal, Mr. Femi Akinlade, played a central role in securing this recognition. He championed the integration of Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship Education into the curriculum, aligning these initiatives with both the school’s strategic direction and international education standards. His work has strengthened partnerships, expanded opportunities for student engagement, and positioned Start Rite Schools as a model for how African schools can prepare learners to address global challenges while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Reflecting on the milestone, Senator Ndoma-Egba said, “We set out to make Start Rite The School – a place defined not by its location or size, but by its influence, values, and the calibre of students it produces. Our graduates must be prepared not only to succeed personally, but to contribute meaningfully to the world they will inherit. That requires an education that nurtures intellect, empathy, and purposeful action.”

At Start-Rite Schools, Abuja, Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development are embedded into the daily rhythm of school life, advancing multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 5 on Gender Equality, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities, SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. Through rich learning experiences and authentic leadership opportunities, the school is shaping young leaders who engage confidently with the world and influence its future with knowledge, compassion, and responsibility. This is education that reaches its highest purpose: shaping values, igniting ambition, and turning ability into meaningful service.

Written by Start-Rite Schools Media/Comms Unit