We feel very lucky to regularly have interns working with us at MAD (Make A Difference) Courses ; we know that they learn a lot while working with us, but we also learn a TON from them! Colleen Miller was wonderful to have on board, and we are pleased to share with you her reflections on her time with us.

If you or somebody you know is interested in doing an internship with a cool social enterprise that empowers students and communities through interactive online learning, reach out to Sophie Peccaud at sophie@madcourses.com! Let’s hear from Colleen:

Hello! My name is Colleen, and I am a university student who has been volunteering with MAD Courses for the past couple of months. At university, I study International Relations, and I am very interested in helping people around the world! Being a volunteer at a social enterprise has been a wonderful journey that combines passion with purpose. At MAD, I have seen a dynamic environment where innovation meets impact which has allowed me to not only learn about other communities around the world but also makes me feel like I am contributing to society, by learning tools useful to help our world in the future. Without MAD’s deep-rooted partnerships, masterful storytelling, and engaging curriculum development, MAD courses would not be able to leave such an impressive impact on its audience and me!

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Deep-rooted partnerships

When I first started volunteering at MAD, I instantly noticed the strong connection they had with their community partners. One example of this is their connection with the community of Zambales. Seeing how MAD has not only been able to collaborate with the community but also share their stories to audiences globally is very inspiring. From not only a volunteer but from a student's perspective, working at a company that treasures deep-rooted partnerships is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to see how collaborative growth with other communities is important. The chance to be part of a workplace where partnerships are not just valued but essential to the company values opens doors to new learning experiences.

Engaging curriculum development

They have designed a comprehensive curriculum around each adventure, making learning a thrilling journey for schools, universities (especially business schools worldwide), and corporate employees. MAD’s different courses effectively engage audiences.  Looking back on other ways I have learned about sustainability or the UN SDGs, having them be taught with an engaging curriculum would have made it even more exciting and made me want to learn more. As a student, the opportunity to volunteer at a company that places emphasis on creating a captivating curriculum gives me hope that more students will be open to learning & change the world.

Masterful storytelling

Seeing their cutting-edge technology, such as interactive videos, to captivate and immerse the audience with their storytellers and community partners. As a student, storytelling videos are a captivating gateway to learning. They take me on a visual and narrative journey that brings lessons to life in ways textbooks often can't. Seeing these communities in videos and not just reading about them, meeting members of the community and even being able to ask them questions is such a new, interesting, and especially valuable way to learn. MAD’s videos weave complex ideas into relatable stories, making it easier for me to grasp challenging concepts.

My experience volunteering at MAD Courses has been such a valuable experience. Being immersed in an environment that values collaboration and shared goals, I've witnessed the power of meaningful relationships with community partners. It's within this inspiring social enterprise MAD Courses that my journey as a university student has gone beyond conventional boundaries, giving me more enjoyment for learning that goes beyond the classroom, paving the way for a future where education becomes a boundless adventure filled with discovery and impact!

While writing business reports on a 1 billion USD investment fund from the state of Qatar into the Philippines back in 2012, I found myself immersed in the bustling city life of Manila. The glitz and glamour, however, couldn't mask the nagging sense that something was amiss. Much of the colossal investment seemed to be funneled into casinos and large-scale projects, seemingly benefiting only a select few. The more I delved into this world, the less it made sense. How much of this could I turn a blind eye to? The breaking point came, and I made the life-altering decision to leave my job.

What followed was a transformative 12 months spent delving into the heart of communities through Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation across the Philippines. The contrast between the corporate world and the grassroots communities was stark, yet the stories of struggle and hope resonated deeply. These were narratives that, while not yet making a global impact, were undeniably purposeful. The decision to step away from the corporate hustle into the real stories of the Philippines was drastic, but it sparked a revelation. This journey ignited a passion for connecting with narratives of hope and transformation, leading to the birth of MAD (Make A Difference) Courses.

In an era where values alignment is a driving force behind career choices, our aim is to bridge the gap between companies and meaningful impact. In the fast-paced world of today, job changes are more frequent than ever. Many attribute this shift to a misalignment with their company's values. According to the 2023 Net Positive Employee Barometer, nearly half of employees in the UK and US express a willingness to resign if their personal values don't align with those of their company. This sentiment is not limited to seasoned professionals; the 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey by Deloitte reveals that 39% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennials globally have actively turned down job offers from employers whose values do not resonate with their own.

For those who choose to stay, there's a danger of "quiet quitting" – a slow disengagement from their roles. MAD strives to offer an alternative path, where employees can find purpose and connection within their corporate environment. While not everyone can embark on a year-long immersion like I did, MAD envisions a world where employees can engage with stories of change, resilience, and hope. By amplifying the voices of communities globally, we aim to empower companies to not only engage their workforce but also make a tangible difference.

Join us at MAD as we navigate the intersection of corporate values and genuine impact. Our solution involves connecting companies to the work and mission of local community organizations using interactive video technology, creating a choose-your-own-adventure-style learning experience. This innovative approach serves as a training and engagement tool for employees, offering a unique way to align values with impactful action. Let's make 2024 a year of purpose, connection, and transformation.

Here’s our reflection: if accrediting bodies do not specifically include definitions and benchmarks for global citizenship education, can we reasonably expect schools to support GCE? (ie: professional development, funding for student-led initiatives…)

1. Why does accreditation matter?

According to the ACS WASC website:

• Assures a school community that the school’s purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable education program  — a trustworthy institution for student learning.
• Validates the integrity of the school’s program and transcripts.
• Provides a process for regularly examining programs, processes, and data around school goals and student learning through data analysis, reflection, inquiry, and dialogue.
• Builds a professional culture to support the schoolwide action plan.
• Fosters the continuous improvement of the school’s programs and operations to support student learning.
• Provides valuable insight from fellow educators visiting the school.

1. What is accreditation?

“Accreditation is the act of granting credit or recognition, especially to an educational institution that maintains suitable standards.” Accreditation and Global Citizenship - A query

(https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/accreditation)

Recently, to understand better what schools might be asked about for accreditation in terms of service, sustainability, and global citizenship education, I went to the websites of three prominent accrediting agencies: CIS (Council of International Schools), WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges).

I typed "global citizenship" on the websites of these accreditation bodies. The results surprised me!  Out of the three bodies researched, two of them—WASC and NEASC—yielded ZERO hits:

On CIS’s website, I found these results:

While the absence of the term "global citizenship" in the specific search results does not necessarily negate its importance within the two accreditation bodies' broader frameworks, it did prompt me to consider the depth and explicit inclusion of such essential values in the standards.

What do you think? Do you think global citizenship, sustainability education, or service learning deserve more “limelight” in the accreditation process?  MAD Courses would love to hear your take.

“It makes me want to learn even more. I want to help the environment and discover new traditions.” (ESTICE student)

We’ve already heard from teachers in our previous newsletter - now let’s hear students’ first impressions of the ChangeMaker LaunchPad program! At MAD Courses, we have a mission – “to foster globally competent citizens who are not just knowledgeable about the complexity of global challenges but are also equipped with the skills and desire to create a better world”. Our flagship program, the ChangeMaker Launchpad, turns this vision into reality. What impact on students has the course had since its launch in September 2023?

High School Students' Perspective

We are thrilled to share the feedback from students at Frankfurt International School (FIS) and the The American School of Puerto Vallarta (ASPV), about their experience with the ChangeMaker Launchpad program. In a couple of words, their experience can be summed up as "Interesting and Intriguing."

When asked what they found the most engaging aspect of our videos, 36% of students highlighted the ability to make active choices throughout their learning experience.

• “choosing who to talk to and what questions to ask thanks to interactive technology made me feel connected to the community” (FIS Student)
• "I like how we can interact with the videos." (ASPV Student)
• "I really like that the videos are interactive. It is very realistic." (FIS Student)

Additionally, 56% of students mentioned the program's capability to immerse them in a new culture and provide insights into indigenous tribes from a local perspective, creating a sense of authentic connection.

• “I enjoyed learning about individual tribe members and their roles.” (FIS Student
• “the program made me feel like I was truly present in the scenarios presented” (ASPV student)

University Students' Perspective

“Better than just stories in Books”.

University students from ESTICE - International Management in France also gave glowing reviews. They expressed how the program ignited their desire to explore, help the environment, and discover the traditions of other cultures.

Among the respondents, an overwhelming 95% confirmed that the program met or exceeded their expectations. In fact, 38% of them stated that it went above and beyond what they had anticipated. Furthermore, 95% of students would recommend a MAD Courses program to their friends or other students.

To sum it up, our university students were inspired to collaborate with others to enact positive change and are now considering the impact their current and future careers have on issues they care about.

So… what did our students like the most?

1. Community Engagement

The students shared their appreciation for the program's focus on real-life community engagement. Working directly with changemakers, like social entrepreneur mentors, allowed them to connect theory with practical experiences.

2. Interactive Technology

The ChangeMaker Launchpad program successfully blended authentic stories with self-guided curricular content. Students found this approach engaging and effective, highlighting the interactivity of the videos, the diversity of content, and the mix of lessons and media.
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MAD Courses remains committed to nurturing a generation of students ready to make a positive difference in the world. Until December 2023, we are seeking development partners who will benefit from a 50% discount. Beyond this financial incentive, we want to share the opportunities for students to become co-creators and innovate with us. Their feedback will count as we further develop the program. Submit your application now by reaching out to suji@madcourses.com!

Since the dawn of time, people have relied on stories to interpret the world around them. Stories have the remarkable ability to captivate our hearts and minds, leading us to fall in love with causes and shaping our attitudes. But what if there was something even better than listening to a story? It's the art of learning to tell a story, an experience that can change your life and the lives of others.

Personal Transformations Through Storytelling

Eight years ago, I left the world of PR to explore the stories of lesser known heroes across the Philippines. There, I met inspiring individuals ranging from Benjie, a former street child turned community leader, to Fabien, at the time a French university student who founded a purpose-driven toy business - on a farm! These encounters transformed my worldview, inspiring me to write a book and delve into social enterprise.

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From that point on, MAD has been dedicated to harnessing the power of storytelling to inspire students to create change. However, we recently identified a missing piece in our mission. While our 'interactive adventures' introduced young people to new ideas and role models, we wanted students to become storytellers themselves. Our vision is for students to multiply stories, sharing global issues from diverse perspectives all around the world.

Introducing Docathon: A Storytelling Revolution

To bridge this gap, we created Docathon, a filmmaking competition designed for students. In Docathon, young filmmakers select a pressing global concern related to a chosen theme that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They delve into the topic by collaborating with a local organization or NGO addressing the same issue in their community. Based on this organization's work, students create short educational documentaries. Moreover, to ensure students are well-equipped for this storytelling journey, we provide them with an online course, teaching them how to craft powerful and impactful stories.

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The process doesn't end with filmmaking. Students also organize screening events within their schools, making their stories accessible to a wider audience. Leading entries have the opportunity to participate in Interschool Docathons, held online, showcasing their work in a "Oscar's style" Film Event. The winning films not only receive recognition but also a cash prize, a portion of which is donated to the NGO or social enterprise featured in their film. Additionally, the MAD team in London transforms the winning stories into interactive adventures, ensuring that these tales continue to inspire and educate a global audience.

Empowering Students Through Storytelling

Why is storytelling so beneficial for students? It offers a wealth of advantages:

• Critical Skills: Crafting narratives hones communication skills, vital in academics and careers.
• Creativity: Stories foster creativity, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.
• Empathy: Students develop empathy by immersing themselves in characters' perspectives.
• Passion for Learning: Storytelling connects abstract concepts to real life, making education engaging.
• Confidence: Sharing stories boosts confidence and communication skills, applicable in various life situations.

A Personal Testimony

Recently, we partnered with Doc-in-a-Day, a London-based filmmaking competition. The theme, "purpose," was drawn from a hat by one of the participants and - drawn in by the enthusiasm of the other eight teams - I unexpectedly found myself creating a documentary myself, 'on the fly.'  It was a thrilling experience, reaching out to people at the last minute, and asking them to share their stories in our documentary. While our movie didn't win any awards, the opportunity itself got me out of my comfort zone, taught me valuable skills, and rekindled my passion for storytelling.

In summary, storytelling is a transformative tool with the potential to inspire change. Docathon's mission is to empower students to become storytellers, connecting them to learning, people, and positive change. Storytelling equips students with the confidence, empathy, and communication skills needed for success in academics and life. Let's continue sharing and creating stories that shape a better world.

If you'd like to participate in the upcoming Docathon and/or organize a film festival in your school, get in touch with our team at suji@madcourses.com. If you would like to sponsor a Docathon, please contact tom@madcourses.com.

In the realm of international education, a crucial element has often been missing from the equation: genuine connection. Social enterprises like MAD have a strong foothold in local communities, enabling them to share their remarkable stories with the world. Then there are the world-class schools with dedicated teachers who possess an in-depth understanding of the curriculum and a profound commitment to equipping their students with essential skills, mindsets, and tools. Finally, there are the students, who, when given the opportunity, continually astound us with their insights and creative problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.

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However, the unfortunate reality until recently was that these dedicated teachers, passionate students, and remarkable social enterprises like MAD would only cross paths once or twice a year, typically during a field trip, or for a fundraising activity.

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MAD's Mission: Year-Round Collaboration

MAD's mission is to revolutionize this paradigm by facilitating the continuous convergence of these three groups throughout the year. We believe that by fostering this ongoing interaction, we can all learn from each other and collectively shape a brighter future. That's why MAD has forged partnerships with five prestigious international schools for the current academic year. The aim? To engage teachers and students in the co-creation of resources that cater to their actual needs.

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Empowering Educators, Inspiring Students

As part of this collaborative effort, we are providing teachers with high-quality interactive resources to simplify their teaching of best practices related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and systems thinking. Kathryn Berkman from Munich International School, whose students will use the course to develop concepts of identity, culture, and perspective, says, "(Before this opportunity arose) I was teaching systems thinking tools on my own, without guidance or progression.” Now, she is “most excited” for her students to be part of a larger community of changemakers, and have the support of MAD courses as her students develop their projects.

Berenice Reyes from the American School of Puerto Vallarta expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "I am most excited about the possibility of trying a new strategy and having clear resources to create unique and impactful projects that transform our society”, adding that the resources “provide our students with tools and knowledge that will benefit them for a lifetime."

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By involving students in the development phase, we empower them to be active agents of change. Their insights and contributions today will lay the foundation for an even more enriching student learning experience in the future. One student from the American School of Puerto Vallarta commented, after going on an interactive adventure to learn about an indigenous community in the Philippines:

“it was a profoundly moving and important experience that changed the way I think about native communities,” while another added: “I find it amazing that the school added this class as a requirement because it will teach us to be better citizens in our (own, local) community and help those in need.”

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Celebrating the Collaborative Spirit: MAD's Journey Forward

Our mission is to continually learn and enhance the quality of our courses by listening to teachers and students. It's heartwarming to receive positive feedback from educators like Robin Neal from Frankfurt International School, who notes,

"The level of care and empathy evident in the MAD course design is immediately apparent. The interface is sophisticated and surprisingly centered around the human experience, a quality I have not encountered in other online platforms focused on design thinking." He further praises the content as "rich, adaptable, humorous, and beneficial for anyone interested in understanding how design can improve our world."

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We express our gratitude to Robin and all our development partners, along with their students, for their invaluable contributions. With their support, we are just beginning this transformative journey!

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Are you interested in joining us for the ride? We are eager to expand our network of development partners between now and the end of the year. Join us on this unique journey in service learning, as we grow a global community of educators and students who learn together, grow together, and make a positive impact on the world. 

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Contact Suji at suji@madcourses.com to build your Service Program now, and click here to register for our free course.

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