Goals

Problem statement:

In a perfect world, we would like to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change. But our world is not perfect and we must take one step at a time.

Our primary goal is to change the mindset of Khashuri's youth as it relates to important, world-changing objectives. Our secondary goal is to provide our youth who have previously demonstrated leadership skills with a new venue for activism.

On September 15, 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals.Through examining and then introducing these 17 Sustainable Development Goal, we will attack ignorance, strike down apathy, and invoke reaction by fostering active thinking on the part of our youth on how to address poverty, protect our planet, and endure prosperity for all.

Proposed Solution:

The Khashuri Municipality Library is a pillar of our community. It's tandem relationship with the Khashuri American Corner (AC) provides a venue where active, socially responsible youth gather to learn and participate through the exchange of ideas.

As with every community, some are exemplary students who have a proven track record. These students come in search of knowledge to understand global issues and often volunteer in service projects. This group will be our target group who will serve as our Youth Trainers.

As for the audience, our library holds regular classes throughout each school year with registration that exceeds capacity. Classes range from Leadership Club to English Conversation Club to STEM Club and more. This year we want to harness those groups, segment them into three age groups (e.g. 6-8, 9-11, and 12-15), and allow our Youth Trainers to present the material that the United Nations has made available on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's), including examining "The Lazy Person's Guide to Saving the World." They will present the problem and then explore solutions.

What do we need to facilitate this venture? Only a few materials: one laptop, one projector, one large whiteboard, and a dozen individual whiteboards with markers.

Who wins? The 4-6 motivated Youth Trainers. Each will explore all 17 of the SDG's and select, in turn, their chosen topics to present. They will develop presentations appropriate for each age group, starting with the basics in a simplified version and minimal time (6-8 group) and expanding up each level as is appropriate for their audience. They will be given a training on "Effective Training Techniques" ensuring success.

Needless to say, their audience will also benefit. They will leave with an understanding of 17 world-wide issues faced today and how small actions on their part can make a difference.

Sustainability:

We are asking for funds to purchase equipment needed in order to provide our training. That equipment will have a limited yet, hopefully, lengthy life. Bulbs can be purchased and markers replaced. Minor expenses will be covered by the library's general fund. But the true sustainability of this project is with the mindset of our youth.

"If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children." (Confucius 551-479 BC)

All of the children will be touched by this training and will walk away with an understanding of what issues are faced in our world today. As these youth mature, the seeds of knowledge will sprout into the potential for activism. They can bring it to their dinner table -- not only now with their parents, but also when they are parents. When a piece of knowledge affects the community at large, it becomes a waterfall and waterfalls, with appropriate education and a little luck, can be timeless.

In addition, our Youth Trainers will have the opportunity to present this information at other venues. The potential for impact is substantial.

Equal gender opportunity:

The beauty of this project is the training will be provided to both genders. Boys and girls, males and females, men and women will hear the message. And our planet will benefit.