UNESCO School
GESM, part of the world-wide circle of UNESCO associated schools
In a way, GESM has already been a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization school before we received official recognition in January 2019 - we just did not know.
Like GESM, UNESCO associated schools focus on intercultural learning with one central goal: learning to live together in a pluralistic world of cultural diversity. They are committed to an education that enables people to lead a fulfilling life and develop their personality. They concentrate on six UNESCO educational approaches: human rights and democracy education; intercultural learning, living together in diversity; UNESCO World Heritage education; education for sustainable development; global citizenship education; freedom and opportunities in the digital age.
If you put our vision and mission statements next to this, you will see that is very much alike, because our self-concept and the UNESCO profile grow from the same root: respect for human dignity and diversity.
What then is the advantage for GESM to be part of this international network? Well, It is mainly strategic cooperation in order to explore teaching concepts and pass on successful approaches to schools within and outside the network, form an active network in which each UNESCO associated school participates with its own actions, projects and partnerships in Germany and worldwide,
include non-formal learning places and partners in the learning process.
In all this we are supported by coordinators and educational institutions, offering their resources, expertise and assistance.
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) links educational institutions across the world around a common goal: to build the defences of peace in the minds of children and young people.
The over 11,500 ASPnet member schools in 182 countries work in support of international understanding, peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and quality education in practice.
ASPnet - a driver for innovation and quality in education - is recognized as an effective tool for reaching target 4.7 on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) of Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Education 2030.
ASPnet uses three complementary approaches:
1. Creating: As a laboratory of ideas, ASPnet develops, tests and disseminates innovative educational materials and promotes new teaching and learning approaches based on UNESCO's core values and priorities.
2. Teaching & Learning: Capacity building, innovative teaching and participative learning in specific ASPnet thematic areas allow school principals, teachers, students and the wider school community to integrate UNESCO's values and become role models in their community and beyond.
3. Interacting: ASPnet gives its stakeholders opportunities to connect and exchange experiences, knowledge and good practices with schools, individuals, communities, policy-makers and society as a whole.
ASPnet operates at both international and national levels. A team at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris oversees the network's international coordination. At the country level, ASPnet National Coordinators are designated by UNESCO's National Commissions. Principals, teachers and students lead activities in member schools.