We are excited to announce an exciting partnership that promises to further innovation in education for sustainability. Compass Education and MAD Courses have joined forces to empower educators and students to create  lasting positive impact in the world.

At MAD Courses, we've always been inspired by Compass Education's approaches to systems thinking. We recognize the critical importance of understanding the intricate web of interconnected factors that underlie complex issues before attempting to solve them. Our shared belief is that deep comprehension of these complexities is key to crafting truly human-centered solutions that make a meaningful difference to those in need. And this is why we have integrated the SUSTAINABILITY COMPASS to our ChangeMaker Launchpad - so that students zoom out and see the interconnectedness of issues they want to tackle, and investigate root causes of these issues. 

What makes this partnership truly special is the opportunity to apply systems thinking tools to a real-life case study - and that’s when MAD’s INTERACTIVE ADVENTURE comes in. 

In our pursuit of promoting this transformative approach, we are thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity. Together, we present our latest online course—a journey that will take you deep into the heart of the Philippines, to the vibrant community of Lobo. Here, you'll harness the power of Systems Thinking to explore the root causes of complex issues within this community. And the best part? This course is completely FREE! 🌱🔍

Calling All Service & Global Citizenship Educators

Are you a dedicated educator shaping the future of Service and Global Citizenship? 🌟🎓 If so, this course is tailor-made for you. Here's how you can get started:

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• Register for the Systems Thinking in Lobo Course: It all begins by simply filling out our interest form. And the journey begins.
• Take the Course: We recommend allocating 1-2 class periods to immerse yourself and your students in the world of systems thinking. Together, you will have the opportunity to apply systems thinking tools to real-world issues and learn from each other.
• Provide Valuable Feedback: Your insights are invaluable to us. After completing the course, please share your thoughts through our post-course impact survey. The link is in the course. Your feedback will guide us in continuous improvement, growing our educational impact.‍
• Explore Further Opportunities: Whether you're looking for engaging resources for your students with MAD Courses or seeking professional development opportunities with Compass Education, there's a wealth of possibilities waiting for you.

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Join Us in Catalyzing Change

This partnership transcends education; it's about igniting informed action across the globe. Together, Compass Education and MAD Courses are committed to equipping educators and students with the skills and knowledge to become engaged, and empowered change-makers, ready to tackle the world's most pressing challenges.

Stay tuned for exciting updates as we embark on this partnership journey over the coming weeks and months. We'll be sharing feedback to support your educational journey and learn together!

To stay up-to-date and engage with us, follow us on social media:

• Compass Education: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn‍
• MAD Courses: Instagram | LinkedIn

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We are eager to embark on this transformative journey with you. Together, we will make a meaningful difference!

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Case study - A 5 years meaningful partnership between MAD (Make A Difference) Courses and British School Manila (BSM) - exploring how merging the strengths of a forward thinking international school and an impactful social enterprise can #makeadifference

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Service, Sustainability, Global citizenship -  when we ask schools about their approach to these timely topics, they all have different answers. Most international schools set this as a priority although, for a variety of reasons, some are able to ‘walk the talk’ more than others. In this post, we’d like to share with you the story of our work with the British School Manila (BSM), whose purpose-driven leadership team have paved the way for a truly meaningful and innovative partnership. Hopefully this story will give your school more ideas on ways to engage both educators and students in sustainability and help #makeadifference. 

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Our collaboration with BSM began in a more conventional mode - as an external 3rd party service trip provider for the school. And yet Martin van der Linde (Head of School), had other ideas: What if BSM might bring a social enterprise such as MAD to work within the school? Martin’s brief to the MAD team (we are paraphrasing!): Help us to forge closer connections between the school, its students and a wide array of NGOs and social enterprises and, in so doing, help integrate sustainability within the curriculum. 

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The outcome has been the creation of a robust program for Global Citizenship Education, based around 3 pillars:

1. Community Outreach and Service Learning: 

“Working with MAD has allowed us to really increase the quality of the opportunities that we offer our students. MAD has built an amazing web of connections and links between a whole variety of communities and environmental groups.” Michael Guinness, Whole School Global Citizenship Coordinator at BSM.  

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A dynamic partnership begins with dynamic individuals. Representing MAD is our co-founder, Raf Dionisio, who is now part of the British School Manila campus, collaborating closely with their Service and Sustainability coordinators and teachers across all levels.   

That being said, Raf knows he wouldn’t get very far without a committed colleague at the school: “To create real, meaningful change in Service and Sustainability, you need support from staff within the school who share that common purpose. Fortunately, Michael is a true visionary himself, and we’ve been able to develop an amazing working relationship right from the get-go,” Raf explains.

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So what ‘action’ might this all translate into? One highlight is our large-scale initiative called "Make A Difference Week", which happens annually. This week blends online learning (interactive adventures) with engaging activities and excursions all in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, service, and leadership building. Meanwhile, this initiative has been supporting CAS (Community, Activity, and Service) programs and SAA (Service as Action) for younger kids. The objective is to engage, encourage and empower students when engaging with their local community partners.

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2. Curriculum Integration: 

“(Thanks to this partnership) we always have opportunities for a meaningful real world transfer of learning across our curriculum.” Michael Guinness, Whole School Global Citizenship Coordinator at BSM.  

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Quite surprisingly, despite sustainability being one of the utmost concerns in the minds of students, Sustainability or Global Citizenship continues to be seen as beyond curriculum. Some educators might see this as a daunting task: 

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How might curriculum integration of the SDGs become more engaging, relevant and accessible, so that students across the school - not just those fortunate enough to go on a trip - are able to discover the world outside their regular ‘bubbles’?  

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The MAD team, alongside Michael Guinness and other educators at BSM, have therefore been working in tandem to integrate service and sustainability seamlessly into the curriculum across all grade levels. In particular, stories are a great way to engage students. With this in mind, MAD leverages the immersive power of interactive video adventures, bringing fun and engaging experiences that cultivate skills and insights vital for global citizenship. This way, every student in the school, regardless of which trip they go (or whether they go at all) is able to explore global issues through the unique lens of local communities.   

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3. Community Trips/Adventures: 

“The expertise of the (MAD) team works well alongside our understanding of our own context to develop learning journeys that work right for us both inside the classroom and out in the field (and often in combination)” Michael Guinness, Whole School Global Citizenship Coordinator at BSM.  

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Service trips remain a fundamental pillar in most schools’ Service and Sustainability missions, and with good reason: they provide students with an opportunity to connect deeply with surrounding communities, embrace nature, foster teamwork, enhance self-confidence.

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And yet, how do we ensure that students are engaged and equipped with the right tools to make the most of their experience? Again, this is where online tools can bolster real-life experiences. From this coming year, students will be given access to MAD’s ChangeMaker Launchpad, a self-guided online journey which will enable students to better analyse, understand and tackle the issues they will experience while travelling.

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There is still much room for growth, but our partnership so far exemplifies the magic that happens when shared-values meet innovative education. Our shared vision of nurturing well-rounded, empathetic, and proactive global citizens is at the forefront of this partnership. 

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Of course, there are many other ways to engage students to become empowered changemakers, and we’d love to hear what you will be working on this year. Also, If you’d like to collaborate with us on Service & Sustainability and set up a holistic culture of global citizenship get in touch with Sophie, our head of school partnerships. You can reach her at suji@madcourses.com

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In a world where experiences often define us, travel has consistently held a place of prominence. It's the captivating landscapes, the inspiring encounters with locals, and the chance to make a difference that makes travel a transformative endeavour. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly reshaped the way we connect and experience the world. As a travel company based in the Philippines, we found ourselves facing a challenge: how could we sustain the essence of travel, the very thing that brings people together, without the ability to physically journey?

At the heart of our mission lies the desire to recreate the profound encounters one might have while exploring far-flung destinations, but with a technological twist. Our response to the pandemic-induced travel restrictions has been to harness the power of interactive video technology. This innovation allows participants to curate their virtual journey, offering the freedom to choose destinations, interact with individuals, and pose thought-provoking questions - all from the comfort of their own screens.

We recently ran a program for Canva, a creative technology company, which showcased the transformative potential of this approach. Canva's employees embarked on a virtual adventure to the coastal community of Lobo, located south of Manila. The excitement of this digital journey was met with enthusiasm by employees at Canva, illustrating that the allure of travel - and the opportunity to make a difference - can still be captured even when physical travel is off the table. 

We asked Camille Armas, Social Impact Program Manager for Canva Foundation - Philippines for her thoughts.

‍“During our recent volunteering week at Canva Philippines, we were really pleased with MAD Courses’ Lobo Interactive Tour experience at it was a unique, fun, and new way for our employees to interact and learn about different issues that affect the Lobo community while also contributing to the community in a small way.” 

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Camille added that particular highlights of the experience were the ‘story flow, narrative, and the overall quality of the interactive adventure’: “We’re excited for the potential future local stories that can be shared to a broader audience in a similar way.”

Indeed, this experience highlighted a new era of possibilities. Imagine hundreds of employees from various corporations across the Philippines accessing immersive, 'transformative' learning experiences through virtual travel. The boundaries of traditional travel melt away as technology steps in to provide a carbon-neutral, cost-effective, and accessible alternative. Not only could employees partake in these experiences, but students too could venture into the world, gaining insights into global challenges, especially those concerning sustainability.

While nothing can replace the authenticity of in-person interactions, this blend of technology and wanderlust opens doors to deeper appreciation and empathy for the diverse world we inhabit. It's about fostering a connection with our planet and its inhabitants, regardless of physical presence. As we strive to minimize our carbon footprint and reduce the strain on our environment, interactive video technology emerges as a valuable tool in expanding horizons.

The virtual journey isn't simply about virtually 'going' places. It's about uncovering shared stories, witnessing pressing challenges, and recognizing the interconnectedness of our world. It's about cultivating an understanding that transcends borders, promoting empathy for fellow citizens and fostering a sense of global community. This journey through screens has the power to plant seeds of change, sparking a newfound commitment to sustainable practices and positive action.

In conclusion, the allure of travel isn't solely confined to physical exploration. Through the convergence of technology and wanderlust, we can embark on transformative journeys that transcend limitations, foster connections, and nurture empathy. While physical travel will always hold its special place, the evolution of interactive video technology presents an exciting pathway to broadening our appreciation for the world we share: not just for corporations, but for students around the world who - regardless of their background -  might now have the opportunity to explore important global issues through the lens of local communities.  

If you want to get a virtual trip for your classroom or colleagues, check the trailer to our latest adventure in Lobo here and reach out to suji@madcourses.com

What if the transformational potential of a field trip could be made more accessible to everyone, and throughout the school year? At MAD Courses, we believe in the transformative power of interactive videos for education. Why? Because they enable us to recreate the same learning experience students might have when visiting a far flung community, but without the same hassle, expense or carbon footprint! As a result, interactive videos have emerged as a potent resource for classrooms, revolutionising the learning experience. How? 

• Increased Engagement: Interactive videos combine visual, auditory, and interactive elements, catering to diverse learning styles. This multimedia approach captures students' attention, encouraging active participation and enhancing retention.
• Enhanced Comprehension: Complex concepts become more manageable through interactive videos' bite-sized, visually appealing segments. Students can pause, rewind, and replay content at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding.
• Personalised Learning: Choose where to go, who to speak to and what questions to ask! Customised learning paths with quizzes and exercises empower students to take charge of their learning, addressing individual strengths and weaknesses.
• ‍Real-world Context: Our interactive adventures take students beyond the classroom, bringing to life global issues (the SDGs) through a local lens. In so doing, they showcase real-world applications of academic concepts, building connections, and fostering empathy.

• ‍Feedback and Assessment: Embedded quizzes and exercises provide instant feedback, helping you as a teacher to identify gaps and adapting your strategies.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Anyone can ‘travel’ with us! With closed captions and assistive features, interactive videos ensure accessibility for all students, promoting inclusivity.
• Collaborative Learning Opportunities: Interactive videos facilitate group discussions, debate scenarios, and peer assessments, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
• And lastly, MAD Courses would like to highlight this key feature: the adventures are FUN!! 

We hope you visit madcourses.com to find out more about how you can take your students around the world, build connections and empathy, and foster a real sense of global citizenship now!

"Teachers, do you struggle with finding genuine third party audiences for your student' service projects?"

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We named our company Make A Difference for a reason - we are focused on not only making a difference through our financial and educational support with community partnerships but also by empowering students to make significant contributions to positive social change.

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In addition to building empathy and fostering connection, we know that giving students the skills to become agents of positive social change is crucial. One powerful way to cultivate their potential is by encouraging them to share and pitch their social change ideas to authentic third-party audiences. Presenting to others outside their school or family can help students to foster confidence, witness the relevance of their ideas in the “real world” and get constructive feedback. 

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Students develop confidence and effective communication skills when sharing their projects and ideas with others, especially outside of their social, familial and educational settings. Presenting their ideas before an external audience, such as community leaders, peers, experts, or organizations, instils a sense of purpose and validation in their efforts. Through this experience, students gain self-assurance, enhance their video creation skills,  public speaking skills, and learn to articulate their thoughts and beliefs persuasively, all of which are essential lifelong skills.

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Engaging with a third-party audience also allows students to witness the real-world relevance of their ideas. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application, emphasising the impact their initiatives can have beyond academic boundaries. Students see that their ideas have the potential to inspire change and contribute to meaningful societal transformation, motivating them to think critically, develop innovative solutions, and actively participate in shaping the world around them.

Pitching ideas to an authentic audience provides students with valuable feedback and the opportunity for collaboration. By interacting with external stakeholders, students receive constructive criticism, suggestions, and perspectives that can refine and strengthen their proposals. Furthermore, engaging with professionals and community members fosters collaborative relationships, allowing students to connect with mentors, experts, or organizations that can offer guidance, resources, or even partnerships to further their social change endeavors.

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For all of the above reasons, Make A Difference is really proud that in our flagship program for empowering young people to take informed action (the Changemaker Launchpad or CMLP - find out more here) we have “Launch Tracks” in which a student or a team submits their idea to an outside organisation! One of those is The Global Co Lab Network "Co Lab”. This small but mighty organisation empowers youth ages 13-35 with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  It does this with an annual global video contest, Teens Dream, and twelve virtual teen-led weekly gatherings, SDG Hubs addressing racial justice, gender equality, mental health, quality education, climate change, hunger, plastic pollution, wildlife conservation. MAD Courses’ CMLP scaffolds students to enter the Teens Dream challenge and join the SDG Hubs - a REAL LIFE opportunity for students to present to authentic third party audiences!

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If you could pick an audience for YOUR student’s ideas, who would you choose? Why? 

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We are looking for students to test the program with this launch track. Get in touch with Suji at suji@madcourses.com to try out the course in your classroom.