Why it Matters

Today, nearly 90% of the world’s 1.8 billion youth between the ages of 10-24 live in developing countries. This represents the largest generation of youth in history. ROTA recognizes that the interconnected global challenges of our time mean that these young people must be prepared to assume central roles in forging more just, peaceful, tolerant, sustainable and inclusive societies. By expanding the purpose of education (both in the classroom and beyond) to become more relevant in answering the big questions facing the world, ROTA seeks to cultivate young learners who care for the world and want to achieve a more sustainable future for those with whom we share it.

Given the complex challenges of today’s world, we seek to catalyse a generation that values the common good and displays respect and responsibility across cultures, countries and regions. The values of peace, human rights, cultural diversity, sustainable development and justice are essential. Skills such as good environmental practices, positive civic participation, humanitarian principles, peacebuilding, and the control and prevention of extremism and violence are at the heart of the work. Examples from around the world show that explicitly teaching good citizenship can have powerful results with more empowered, ethically equipped and globally aware young people emerging.