UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace: Educators and Students Champion Integrity, Peace and Lawfulness

Ranjana Harlalka, an educator with UNODC’s RiseUp4Peace initiative mentioned that education must go beyond textbooks shaping hearts and minds to build a future where peace and justice prevail. This belief in the transformative power of education drives the RiseUp4Peace initiative by UNODC and educator partners in classrooms across the country. 

Educators like Ranjana are the heart of the movement enhancing critical life skills and defining the future of their students. This especially matters in today's fast-paced world where people face significant challenges and addressing these issues through education is important in fostering resilience and creating supportive environments for students. With the support of educators UNODCs RiseUp4Peace initiative is empowering the next generation to resist negative influences and embrace positive values. Jagran Josh is the education media partner for the RiseUp4Peace initiative. 

UNODC Practical Classroom Interventions

In August, over 300 educators and 4,200 students across India and 35 countries explored with UNODC practical classroom interventions on themes such as integrity and ethics, mental health, gender equality and cyber safety that resonate deeply with young minds. The initiative included hands-on activities, open reflections and ideation in mixed groups which had educators and young people develop responses through art, AI tools and targeted school programmes. 

64 students from 32 Jalandhar Sahodaya Schools hosted by Kamla Nehru Public School, Phagwata produced vlogs to advocate messages on integrity and anti-corruption.  The Director of Educational Research and Training DERT, Meghlaya in collaboration with UNODC focused on enhancing educators' capacity to address student vulnerabilities by bringing together educators from 22 schools. 

Educators also shared a range of school-focused good practices like buddy programmes to identify risky behaviours, student clubs on reducing digital footprint and increased sensitization initiatives on mental health and cybersecurity. 

Ms. RS Manners, Director of DERT Meghalaya, supports students effectively their emotional and psychological needs and academic growth must be addressed and educators must be equipped with innovative tools and strategies to address these issues effectively ensuring that schools are a place where students feel safe and supported. 

Educators and students from 16 schools in Guwahati, Assam shared similar sentiments at the Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School revealing insights on gender-based violence, online harassment and anxiety. Students used art, street plays and video blogs to explore and promote social awareness for change. 

Students from 17 public, private and rural schools were convened in collaboration with CBSE Varanasi Sahodaya Complex where ideas were valued and students learned how they can use network-building skills to address cyber crimes among the elderly. 

The initiative has also empowered educators and enhanced their ability to address complex social themes and SDGs within their classrooms. Kajal Tripathi, an educator, mentioned that teaching lawfulness isn’t just about rules and regulations, it’s about helping students understand why those rules matter. The insights we discussed will help me craft lessons that inform and inspire students to be responsible citizens.

RiseUp4Peace initiative also reached Gaur Mirzamurad, a village 50 kilometres from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, where over the last four years, UNODC has been collaborating with the Round Table Abhinav Vidyalaya (RTAV) to create a powerful circle of impact at the rural level. Reflecting on negative digital influences and discrimination, students and RTAV alumni—RiseUp4Peace champions—brainstormed challenges and solutions with peer-to-peer learning. 

A focus on good practices and policy linkages with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provided a framework for integrating these critical themes into everyday educational practices. Yashashri Shukla, Additional Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission stated that the enthusiasm and innovative thinking displayed are a testament to the power of youth in driving positive change. Education can enable sensitization of students on integrity and ethics.

RiseUp4Peace equips educators with the tools to foster supportive learning environments and empower students. In the process, they realise their potential: in public speaking, leadership, empathy and creativity. Mr Mukesh Shelat, Principal of DPS Varanasi, added that the power of collective action and interdisciplinary approaches is key to tackling crime, drugs and risky behaviours. He further mentioned that initiatives are required to sustain the momentum and amplify impact.”