Global Citizenship: Global Citizenship in Action

This team supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by exploring the complex realities of internal migration in China and its impact on access to education and opportunity. In partnership with Mingde School in Shaanxi Province, Dandelion School and the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) in Beijing, students build meaningful relationships and engage in cross-cultural exchange and community support.

During China Studies Week, students visit Mingde School to learn from the community, co-lead learning activities, and better understand the social challenges migrant families face. Through ongoing collaboration with MCF, students also support local initiatives that uplift and empower children from migrant backgrounds.

By listening, learning, and taking action, students deepen their understanding of migration and work toward a more inclusive and connected world.

This innovative team supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by using design as a tool for social and environmental impact. Students engage in fashion, product, and structural design projects that focus on solving real-world problems through creativity and sustainability.

A key part of the team's work includes the Precious Plastics initiative, where students transform recycled plastic waste into new, functional products—promoting circular design and reducing environmental impact. From upcycled clothing lines to sustainable product prototypes, students explore how thoughtful design can make a difference in their communities.

Through Day 9 sessions, design challenges, and community partnerships, the team brings innovation and service together to inspire change.

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This student team supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by exploring how business innovation can be a force for good. Students learn the foundations of social entrepreneurship—creating ventures that solve social or environmental problems while being financially sustainable.

Through hands-on projects, Day 9 sessions, and community partnerships, students develop real-world skills like problem-solving, design thinking, and ethical leadership. Whether prototyping solutions or launching mini start-ups, the team aims to make a positive impact while promoting inclusive, sustainable growth in our community and beyond.

This team supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by promoting global citizenship education—empowering students to be active, responsible, and culturally aware members of an interconnected world. By celebrating language, identity, and cultural heritage, students build inclusive communities and foster empathy across differences.

In alignment with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the team collaborates with cultural affinity groups and leads Day 9 activities that encourage intercultural understanding, cultural pride, and respectful dialogue. A highlight of their work is the annual International Fair—a vibrant celebration where students, families, and staff come together to share food, music, traditions, and languages from around the world.

Through storytelling, shared experiences, and student-led initiatives, this team helps create a community where diversity is celebrated, every language is valued, and global citizenship is part of everyday learning.

This team supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting civic responsibility, global awareness, and diplomatic dialogue. Through organizing MUN Day at WAB and leading Day 9 sessions, students provide opportunities for their peers to explore global issues, strengthen their public speaking and negotiation skills, and engage in meaningful conversations about peace, justice, and international cooperation.

By simulating the work of the United Nations, students learn to think critically, collaborate across perspectives, and become informed global citizens ready to take action in the real world.

This student action team is committed to promoting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by raising awareness and advocating for neurodiversity and autism inclusion. In partnership with the ZhiXing Boxui Center, students engage in direct service, building relationships and supporting individuals with autism through inclusive activities and community engagement.

The team works to create a more accepting and informed school and local community by leading awareness campaigns, organizing interactions, and sharing knowledge about neurodiversity. Through their actions, students aim to reduce stigma, foster empathy, and support the well-being of neurodivergent individuals.

This team supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by advocating for inclusive, equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of background or circumstance. In partnership with Our Learning House (RenYuYuan), a center for orphaned and neurodiverse children, students build meaningful connections through education, mentorship, and play.

The team hosts bi-weekly in-person visits, where they lead creative learning activities and build relationships through art, sports, English reading storytime, and playful, student-led interactions. These sessions are designed to spark joy, encourage curiosity, and create a safe, inclusive space for learning and connection.

Through these partnerships, students promote compassion, inclusion, and educational access—helping ensure that every child has the chance to learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging, no matter their circumstances.

This team supports SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 13: Climate Action by protecting and promoting biodiversity through research, conservation, and habitat restoration. In partnership with YeWhy Conservation, Free Flying Wings and the Wenyu River Habitat / Shan Shui Pollinator Institute, students take part in field-based projects that support ecosystems vital to both wildlife and human communities.

Students engage in migratory bird monitoring, pollinator habitat creation, and native species identification, contributing valuable data to local conservation efforts. These projects help raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity corridors, pollination systems, and the global challenges facing birds and pollinators due to climate change and habitat loss.

Through direct collaboration with experts and hands-on ecological work, the team builds a strong foundation in citizen science, environmental advocacy, and local-global conservation action—inspiring stewardship for nature that starts at the community level and reaches far beyond.

Goal 15: Life on land - The Global Goals

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This team supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting local, ethical, and sustainable food systems. Through hands-on work in the WAB Community Garden and participation in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), students explore how food choices impact personal health, community well-being, and the planet.

In partnership with Jinpolou Farm, Shared Harvest, and Haohua Farm, students engage in organic farming, composting, seed saving, and education around seasonal and regenerative agriculture. One of the team’s key initiatives is coordinating organic and free-range egg sales to the WAB community—supporting ethical farming practices while raising awareness about responsible consumption.

By growing food, building community partnerships, and bringing ethical food directly to families, this team helps cultivate a deeper understanding of what it means to eat well—for both people and the planet.

Goal 2: Zero Hunger - The Global Goals

This team supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action by taking action to make the WAB campus more sustainable. Guided by the Metanoia Sustainability Report, and in partnership with Roots and Shoots, students identify key areas for improvement and lead projects that reduce the school’s environmental footprint and build a culture of sustainability.

Projects include waste audits, energy and water use tracking, sustainable design solutions, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with school operations to implement meaningful change. Whether it’s creating new recycling systems, promoting green spaces, or reducing single-use plastics, students turn ideas into action across the campus.

The Sustainability Branch Project empowers students to think critically, collaborate with stakeholders, and lead long-term efforts that help WAB become a model of sustainable living and learning.

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production - The Global Goals

This team supports Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land by promoting compassionate care, protection, and responsible adoption of animals. In partnership with Paws Love, an animal rescue and adoption organization based in Beijing, students work to raise awareness about animal welfare and help connect rescued animals with loving homes.

The team organizes and supports adoption events, fundraising, leads awareness campaigns, and shares the stories of animals in need. They also run socialization events to help train puppies for adoption, ensuring they are comfortable, confident, and ready for their forever homes.

Students participate in canine therapy programs for elementary students, offering opportunities for emotional connection and support. They also lead workshops on animal training, safety, and understanding dog body language—equipping others with the knowledge to interact responsibly and compassionately with animals.

Through direct action and advocacy, this team helps build a more compassionate community—one where animals are treated with kindness and every pet has a chance at a forever home.

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This action team is dedicated to promoting health equity and well-being in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). In partnership with the United Foundation for China's Health (UFCH) and the Dew Drops Center Beijing, students engage in meaningful advocacy and hands-on volunteering to support vulnerable communities.

The team supports UFCH’s mission to improve women’s health by helping fund a mobile clinic for breast and cervical cancer screening. Students also work with Dew Drops to assist children in need of medical care. Through fundraising events like KM for Love and Play for Purpose, students raise awareness and funds while actively building a healthier, more compassionate community.

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This team supports global goals like SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by promoting the power of science to drive meaningful change. Students work to strengthen scientific thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills within the community through hands-on inquiry and real-world exploration.

A highlight of the team’s work is organizing an inter-school Science Fair, where students showcase innovative projects that tackle community challenges through scientific methods. The team also leads Day 9 sessions to encourage curiosity, build confidence in STEM, and inspire others to see science as a tool for impact and advocacy.

By connecting knowledge with action, this team empowers young changemakers to use science not just to ask questions—but to solve problems that matter.

This student team supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by exploring how ethical choices in business and finance can shape a better world. Focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, students examine how companies address issues like climate impact, labor practices, equity, and corporate responsibility.

A highlight of the team's work is a mock ESG investment competition, where students research and build ethical investment portfolios based on real companies and sustainability data. Through this hands-on project, they learn to evaluate businesses not just by profit, but by purpose.

The team also leads Day 9 sessions to raise awareness about sustainable finance, ethical entrepreneurship, and the role young people can play in shaping a more just and resilient global economy.

This team supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by fostering intergenerational connection, inclusion, and compassion. In partnership with CunCao Elderly Home, students build meaningful relationships with elderly residents through regular visits filled with care, creativity, and companionship.

Activities include storytelling, art and music, games, and digital literacy support, giving students the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of older generations while offering social connection and joy. Through these shared experiences, students help reduce isolation and promote dignity and well-being for elders in the community.

By showing that care has no age limit, this team inspires empathy and reminds us all of the value in honoring and supporting every generation.

Goal 3: Good health and well-being - The Global Goals

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WAB Curates is an initiative that celebrates artistic achievement across the WAB community while honoring the power of creativity as a form of advocacy, reflection, and agency. Aligned with WAB’s strategic goals and Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, this team highlights how students use the arts to explore meaningful causes, express their voices, and inspire change.

Through curated exhibitions, performances, installations, and digital showcases, students present work that responds to global issues, personal experiences, and individual passions. Each piece tells a story—whether about identity, sustainability, equity, mental health, or other causes close to students’ hearts.

By curating spaces for authentic expression and purposeful storytelling, WAB Curates invites the community to listen, feel, and act—reminding us that art is not only what we create, but how we connect, communicate, and advocate for a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.

The I-DEAS Belonging Team and Affinity Groups supports SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by taking action to create a school culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. The team addresses issues of social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and gender equity, and challenges systems of exclusion through student-led advocacy and education.

Through campaigns, workshops, discussion spaces, and community events, students lead conversations about identity, allyship, equity, and respect. Their work promotes safe, inclusive spaces and empowers peers to stand up against discrimination and bias—both within and beyond the WAB community.

By fostering courageous conversations and celebrating diversity, the I-DEAS Belonging Team is building a culture of belonging, empathy, and equity—where every voice matters.

This student team supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being through a unique partnership with HOPE (Horses Offering People Enrichment) in Beijing. Students are trained as sidewalkers, assisting in therapeutic horseback riding sessions that support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of elementary students.

Through this hands-on role, students learn about equine-assisted therapy and contribute directly to creating a safe, supportive space for young riders. This projects organizes fundraising events in partnership with Parent Link and uses design for service to upgrade the facilities at the stable to accommodate the needs of the therapy team and the riders. The team also raises awareness about alternative therapies and the powerful connection between animals and human health.

This team supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by advocating for inclusive workplaces and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Through partnerships with Bread of Life Bakery and Rainbow Angels Bakery in Beijing—organizations that provide employment for individuals who are hearing-impaired or use wheelchairs—students learn firsthand how inclusion and dignity in work can transform lives.

The team leads impactful events such as an adaptive fashion sew-a-thon, designing and creating clothing with accessibility in mind, and sign language workshops that promote communication equity and empathy. By raising awareness, fostering connection, and supporting inclusive businesses, students take action toward a world where everyone has access to meaningful work and community belonging.

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This team supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by using technology to design meaningful, socially responsible solutions. Students explore how innovation can promote well-being, inclusion, and sustainability—while ensuring ethical and responsible use of emerging tools.

A key focus is on ethical AI use in schools. Students lead informational Day 9 sessions about the impact of AI, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and how to use AI tools responsibly as learners and creators.

Through project-based learning, students design and develop chatbots to support community needs—such as mental health check-ins, peer tutoring help, or sustainability tips. These student-built bots aim to make useful information more accessible and show how AI can be a force for good when guided by empathy and ethics.

This team supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by using the power of creativity and connection to build bridges across cultures. In partnership with Francis Bizoza, The African Traveling Teacher, and rural schools in Uganda, WAB students take part in a unique art, music, and cultural exchange.

Using the Kolibri offline learning platform, students collaborate across continents to share artwork, musical compositions, and problem-solving challenges that reflect their cultures and experiences. These shared projects celebrate both similarities and differences, encouraging empathy, understanding, and joyful learning between communities.

Through this ongoing partnership, students at WAB and in Uganda co-create a "cultural canvas"—a space where education, creativity, and global connection come together to inspire meaningful, two-way learning.

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This team supports SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land by protecting and studying the unique ecosystem of Duck Lake, located at the heart of the WAB campus. As environmental stewards, students lead research-based service projects to monitor the lake’s health and biodiversity, while promoting sustainable practices that support the surrounding habitat.

The team engages in water quality testing, species observation, and data collection, collaborating with science faculty and local experts to better understand the impact of human activity on this vital ecosystem. Findings are shared with the wider community to inspire awareness and action toward conservation.

By combining scientific inquiry with community education, the Duck Lake Action Committee empowers students to take meaningful action in local environmental protection—starting right in their own backyard.

This student action team is focused on promoting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by supporting mental health within the WAB community. Through organizing Day 9 sessions, sharing reliable resources, and creating awareness campaigns, students help their peers understand mental health, reduce stigma, and build emotional resilience.

The team fosters a culture of care by encouraging open conversations, offering strategies for self-care, and connecting the community to helpful support systems. Their goal is to ensure that everyone at WAB feels seen, supported, and empowered to take care of their mental health.

This action team is committed to promoting health equity and well-being in support of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. In partnership with Roundabout’s Happy School and the Children’s Pediatric Palliative Care Center (CPCC), students engage in meaningful advocacy and hands-on service to support children facing serious health challenges.

Through Happy School, students provide joyful, supportive learning experiences for children undergoing treatment for leukemia. They volunteer as online English teachers, helping children stay engaged and connected through fun, educational interactions. At CPCC, students volunteer their time to support children with life-limiting illnesses, contributing to compassionate, family-centered care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being.

Through their commitment and care, students actively build a healthier, more compassionate community.