Together with Future Foundations, we invited students aged 11-18 to attend a virtual leadership weekend from 10-12 November.

More information

The leadership weekend included two strands:

• COBIS GSL World Catalyst – For students who are starting their journey as a social leader.
• COBIS GSL Accelerator – For graduates of previous Catalyst programmes who are looking to further develop their social action skills.

CATALYST INFORMATION PACK  ACCELERATOR INFORMATION PACK

"I will always remember the feeling of being part of the bigger picture aimed at change; the GSL Catalyst is a magical, unique experience full of motivation and life lessons". Cecilia, COBIS Catalyst graduate
The courses ran simultaneously, and provided students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, future world of work skills and learn about the United Nations Global Goals. The courses also provided students with effective strategies to manage their wellbeing. 

Participants were invited to take on an independent challenge, which was a great opportunity to implement their project and ideas. This 30 day or 60 day period (depending on whether they took part in the Catalyst or Accelerator course) was an opportunity for participants take positive action and support an organisation or cause that they are passionate about. You can view a selection of previous participants' independent challenges here.

Students celebrated their achievements together at a virtual joint graduation ceremony in January 2024.

EXAMPLES OF INDEPENDENT CHALLENGES

Testimonials

“What the GSL Catalyst has shown me is that anything is possible if one really wants it. For example, I thought there was no way I was going to persuade people not to waste food, but here I am with people not wasting as much food as before.”
Jonas, COBIS Catalyst graduate

“The programme let us interact with people our own age, it taught us all about being GREAT leaders and has helped to shape the next generation of socially conscious leaders, it is so well organised and easy to access online. The whole structure of the timetable worked really well and all the facilitators were fantastic!”
Hibah, COBIS Catalyst graduate 

“I learnt that there are so many parts to wellbeing and its really important to look after yourself because it not only brings out your full potential but also will impact others.”
Leo, COBIS Catalyst graduate

“I felt so much love and interaction during the programme that I felt connected even when we were miles apart from one another.”
Sneha, COBIS Catalyst graduate

Blogs

The British International School Ukraine has been part of the Global Social Leaders Membership for 2022-23, Aisha wrote a blog about her experience and how being a part of GSL has impacted them. You can read Aisha’s blog here.

How can you support your students to take social action?

How do we harness the unique contribution of young people to solve social problems?