SIF Launches Global Citizen Education

Singapore, 2 December 2023 – The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) today launched a Global Citizen Education (GCE) programme to help its volunteers better understand their role in the world and engage the international community towards solving global challenges. 

SIF Executive Director Ms Jean Tan said: “In today’s hyper-connected world, we need global cooperation to solve shared challenges. Complex problems, such as poverty, scarcity of clean water, and climate change cannot be solved in isolation; they require countries and multiple stakeholders to collaborate. The work the SIF does in international development and peace-building strengthens such global cooperation. And many of our efforts to uplift lives are powered by individuals who care about the wider world and take an active role in making it a better place.”

Speaking at the SIF’s International Volunteer Day celebrations, Ms Tan announced the SIF’s plans to launch its Global Citizen Education in 2024. She shared that the GCE, developed in consultation with the SIF’s volunteers, was designed to empower individuals with the understanding and skills needed to engage in a globalised world meaningfully and responsibly. 

GCE certification is complimentary for SIF’s volunteers and stakeholders and accessible through blended and fully virtual modes via a Learning Management System. The GCE curriculum will comprise four modules, namely:

• Module 1 – Global Citizenry and Me

This introduction module covers what it means to be a global citizen and explores why global citizenry plays a vital role in creating a better and sustainable future for all. It also covers the concept of a “global village” and the impact of globalisation.

• Module 2 – Building People-to-People Ties Across Borders

 This module explores how everyday citizens, think tanks, community groups, and non-governmental organisations can strengthen understanding and deepen ties between world communities.

• Module 3 – Enhancing Cultural Intelligence 

This module focuses on cultural intelligence, a critical skill that will enable one to effectively navigate and interact within diverse cultural contexts.

• Topical Module – Introduction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

This module introduces the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and presents an overview of the SIF’s contributions towards the advancement of the SDGs.

The programme launch coincided with the celebration of International Volunteer Day (5 December) by SIF to appreciate the dedication of is volunteers and mark their achievements and impact on society. Since 1991, the SIF’s work has been powered by more than 5,500 volunteers, or Citizen Ambassadors, in Singapore and a network of 51,000 international friends.

At the event, Ms Tan recognised the important role SIF volunteers play as global citizens, representing Singapore on both regional and global platforms. She celebrated their remarkable achievements in sustainable development, contributing to poverty alleviation, social development, and environmental protection. 

This year’s celebration saw the SIF’s volunteers and friends attend a film screening of “Perspectives”, a disability-led short film featuring SIF alumna Ms Lim Lee Lee, followed by a post-show dialogue. The event was held in conjunction with the Enabling Lives Festival 2023 organised by SG Enable.

To find out more about the GCE and volunteering opportunities with the SIF, email [email protected].