Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/379168
19 Global Dignity Day http://globaldignity.ca Global Dignity Day is an initiative that aims to instill a positive, inclusive and interconnected sense of value in youth and adults from around the world and from all walks of life — guiding them to become their best selves through the power of dignity, as well as shared stories of dignity. Global Dignity Day brings together role models from around the world to inspire and encourage students to make dignified, positive, and inclusive life choices as they develop into their best selves. This year, TakingITGlobal had the privilege to contribute to the celebrations that took place at Fieldcrest Elementary School in Bradford, Ontario. The opening ceremony featured a keynote by Jennifer Corriero and welcomed Mohammed Sidibay to share his experience as a former child soldier. A day-long National Video Conference enabled students and speakers to share in the experience across Canada. During the celebration 5 members of TakingITGlobal's staff facilitated two different activities: the Adobe Youth Voices Art Reflection Station and the Social Media Station. The Social Media Station enabled students to be roving reporters for the event. Students had access to iPads on which they documented the exciting activities, posting their photos and commentary on Instagram and Twitter to give the world an opportunity to experience Global Dignity Day through their eyes. Leading up to Global Dignity Day, TakingITGlobal hosted a dignity- themed art competition. Five youth from around the world were voted winners for their dignity day artwork. The winners included Ana Teresa Rivas (1st place, Mexico), Angelo Alberto (2nd place, Bonaire), Latoya Jackson (3rd place, Jamaica), Heba Elshatoury (4th place Egypt) and Valeria Avilés Díaz (5th place, Guatemala). Winning artwork was featured during the Live Video Conference and congratulated by speakers at the event. What dignity means to me is starting the ripple effect. I think that's a really cool way to spread the word and that's how you can show someone that if you change yourself and what you do to create a change in the world then you can spread it along to different people and come together. — Grade 5 student, Fieldcrest Elementary School TakingITGlobal also set up an Art Gallery space at the school to showcase artwork created for the event by youth worldwide. Students discussed the way that media pieces demonstrated themes of dignity. The discussion brought up a variety of topics about how youth perceive dignity in their communities and the actions they can take to support global dignity. They then had a chance to look at and comment on the Global Gallery collection of Global Dignity Day artwork, which is available to view online: http://gg.tigweb.org/tig/ayvgdd/