Casey Kennedy

The SDG that most resonates with me is SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The key words here are “for all.” Education is a right for all, not a privilege, and it is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Formal education is important, but we as Canadians cannot choose to be ignorant about the pressing issues existing in our society. Education about health and sanitation reduces mortality rates and disease; education about gender equality reduces gender-based violence; education on climate change reduces our carbon footprint. Issues in the developing world affect Canadians too, as we are a country composed of immigrants. We cannot only focus on domestic issues and turn a blind eye to those less fortunate who we do not see and meet in our daily lives.

I have a passion for making quality teacher training more accessible in remote regions of developing countries. The quality of a teacher’s instruction directly impacts a student’s ability to meet learning outcomes and forms the way the next generation thinks. It is crucial that students learn how to critically think and analyze so that they learn to use their voice and speak up for their rights.

Reflect on what deeply moves you… the stories that make your eyes water, the stories that infuriate you, the stories that inspire you… and volunteer with organizations whose mandates are to take action on these issues. By volunteering, you will learn the complexities of the problems and learn skills that can help build your career, all while generating a feeling of contribution and generosity within yourself that is incomparable to anything else.