Students and Educators From Rural Areas Amplify Action On Integrity And Lawfulness Through UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace

UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace initiative is a step towards engaging young people in fostering resilience against risky behaviours and instilling a sense of responsibility in them towards society. The initiative empowers young minds to resist negative influences and become champions of peace, integrity and sustainable development goals. 

An example of this initiative is the small village of Gaur in Mirzamurad, 50 KM from Varanasi. Four years ago, UNODC and Round Table Abhinav Vidyalaya embarked on a journey instilling change in the vibrant community of rural students and educators which have now become a powerful circle of impact.

Students who were once a part of UNODC’s Lockdown Learners programme during the pandemic have grown into confident young mentors acting as RiseUp4Peace champions. 16-year-old Ms. Jahnavi Mishra while emphasising the importance of building community networks for transformation stated that she has discovered that her voice and actions are powerful and that she can use them to advocate for what she believes in and help others find their voices too. Ms. Nancy Vishwakarma, Ms. Ritisha Gupta and Ms. Kashish mentioned that learning and raising awareness about peace and SDGs has been empowering and when together as a group, the ideas become stronger.”

The journey of these students is a testament to the profound impact that education and mentorship can have in transforming these once-shy children into empowered young minds, using the power of videos, art and dialogue to sensitise others.

The current batch of RTAV students continues this legacy of engagement. Recently, they also explored SDG16 themes with Mr Samarth Pathak, Communications Officer, UNODC, Dr Satya Bhushan from the National Council on Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and Mr AN Ramachandra, former Joint Commissioner of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. 

They reflected on negative digital influences, gender discrimination and mental health, with activities and peer discussions, and shared real-life experiences: “Not giving equal opportunities to girls while playing games,” “bullying and commenting on one’s background,” “wasting time on social media during exams,” were illustrative examples they shared. Ms Yashashri Shukla, Additional Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission joined as observer. 

Some of the thoughts shared by students included “I want to be judged for my abilities, not my gender,” “I get anxious thinking about the future,” and “Taunting hurts”—revealing a pressing need for education and more open ‘safe space’ dialogues. 

An art exhibition on the SDGs and a compelling ‘nukkad natak’ (street play) on discrimination highlighted their social awareness and drive for change. 

The educators at RTAV—led by Dr. AN Tripathi and Mrs. Jaimala Tewari have played a pivotal role in integrating peace and integrity in classroom interactions. Their commitment extends beyond traditional teaching methods, as they strive to shape responsible and empathetic citizens. 

Mrs Tewari emphasized the importance of this partnership. She stated that RTAV is committed not just to teaching subjects but to shaping responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society. The partnership between RTAV and UNODC has been one of impact which makes a difference.

Jagran Josh is the Education Media Partner for the RiseUp4Peace initiative. The impact of the RiseUp4Peace initiative extends beyond academics, touching on the emotional and social development of students. By fostering an environment where students feel heard and understood, the initiative has created a space for genuine learning and personal growth. This was evident when students invited the UNODC team to their village for a simple cup of tea, an act of warmth that reflected the trust and bonds formed. Walking through the fields with the students, conversations about their aspirations and challenges revealed a shared desire for peace and justice.

Mr Ramachandra added that it was a scintillating experience to see how much the younger generation is willing to join the peace path. He also added that such workshops must be organised for the benefit of many hamlets, like Mirzamurad in this country. Mr. Pathak added that as UNODC’s efforts in Mirzamurad show, real change happens when education moves beyond the classroom, touching hearts and minds, and inspiring action.

The RiseUp4Peace initiative, with its focus on continuity, impact, and lasting change, is not just empowering students and educators, it is shaping the future of entire communities, one young mind at a time.