In a groundbreaking initiative of the K12 and IB Science Department for sustainable development, an online collaboration was forged on November 22, 2023, bringing together students from Southville International School and Colleges and Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Physics and Mathematics in Shymkent  Kazakhstan to engage in a comprehensive dialogue on environmental issues. The said event is anchored in Southville’s flagship program in promoting environmental sustainability and care for the creation in our community by bringing Harmony between Man and Environment or HOME. The virtual event served as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration to address pressing environmental challenges.

Our students from Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strand together with IB students headed by Minami Oikawa shared the culture and tradition of the Philippines and discussed common environmental problems that the Philippines and Kazakhstan are experiencing. These problems will be the center of discussion at the next meeting wherein students will find innovative and sustainable solutions to address the issue. The diverse range of perspectives allowed for a holistic exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

The event serves as a testament to the shared commitment of the two schools to build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. We give thanks to the following students for showing their engagement in resolving global environmental issues. Minami Oikawa (12-Grit); Nathan Dichupa (12-Grit); Sydney Shane Escolar (11-Growth Mindset); Hanks Montenegro (11-Competence); Lee Jisoo (IB-1); Moon Hyeonwoon (IB-1); and Moon Juwon (IB-1)