Ideas for International Youth Day

Inspire young minds on International Youth Day using these reflective and thought-provoking activities

12 August marks International Youth Day and is designed to help highlight the achievements of young people from across the world, as well as being a platform for discussing on-going global issues. With this year’s theme focusing on conflict prevention and social justice, we’ve scoured the site and picked the very best resources to help young people engage with different societal issues.

The United Nations and global citizenship

As this is an awareness day designated by the United Nations, it’s worth taking the time to introduce students to the UN and its work using this comprehensive lesson. Similarly, these global citizenship plans are ideal for exploring the interconnectedness of the world with younger learners.

Alternatively, why not use the medium of film to help pupils think more broadly about democracy and equality with help from this handy guide?

Conflict and peace

Help younger classes to understand conflict and resolution using this selection of worksheets. Alternatively, encourage older students to empathise with individuals affected by war with this role-play activity, in which they’ll study asylum seekers and the difficulties they face.

Further reflect on the ramifications of conflict by studying Sadako Sasaki and her cranes for peace before getting pupils to create their own origami with this lesson pack.