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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

06/20/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/20/2024 11:31

Students from ASP net school in Denmark present ‘The UNESCO Journey’ board game

The ASPnet school's teaching approach has embraced game design and gamification as innovative methods to captivate students' attention effectively. Through an application- and project-oriented approach, students engage in real-world projects in collaboration with external partners, including UNESCO ASPnet. This methodology aims to underscore the contributions of UNESCO's young ambassadors and foster greater youth participation. This initiative not only enriches educational experiences but also empowers students to become proactive global citizens, aligned with UNESCO's mission to promote peace and sustainable development through education.

In April 2023, a pioneering initiative spearheaded by Ms. Honar Abdollahi, former national coordinator of UNESCO ASPnet in Denmark, commenced with the development of educational board games of UNESCO. These games are designed to spotlight UNESCO's initiatives and enhance awareness of the Young Ambassadors programme among students. A dedicated class of NEXT Københavns Mediegymnasium undertook the task of creating these board games, supported by ongoing feedback from the coordinator and educators. The project was inaugurated with a presentation by the Danish national coordinator, inspiring students to collaborate in groups of six over a three-month period.

© NEXT Københavns Mediegymnasium

At the midpoint of the project timeline, students presented their game mechanics and educational objectives, receiving comprehensive feedback for refinement. The process culminated in a board game fair, where the final creations were assessed by UNESCO ASPnet coordinators from Denmark and Croatia, alongside young ambassadors. Among the entries, "UNESCO Journey" was recognized as the standout game for its innovative approach and educational value. This initiative not only enhances educational practices through interactive learning but also cultivates a spirit of global citizenship among youth, aligning with UNESCO's mission to foster sustainable development through education.

Following its initial success, the educational board game project initiated by Denmark's UNESCO ASPnet has garnered support from the Danish National Commission for UNESCO. Recognizing its educational value and potential impact, the National Commission has provided funding for the game's production and facilitated a special visit for students to showcase their creation at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Empowering learners through innovative learning methods

The project serves as a beacon for global educators, advocating for the adoption of application-oriented and project-based learning approaches enhanced with gamification techniques. The game itself features trivia questions, strategic elements, and collaborative tasks, designed to engage players in exploring UNESCO's diverse initiatives and fostering a deeper understanding of global challenges. This initiative not only enriches educational practices but also empowers students to become active participants in promoting UNESCO's mission of peace and sustainable development through education.

© NEXT Københavns Mediegymnasium

Key features of the UNESCO Journey

  • Educational content: The game includes rich educational content about UNESCO's core values, promoting cultural exchange, education for sustainable development, and fostering global peace and cooperation.

  • Global perspectives: Through interactive gameplay, players gain insights into the diverse cultures and contributions of UNESCO member countries, fostering a sense of global awareness and appreciation.

  • Historical exploration: The game delves into UNESCO's history, highlighting key milestones and achievements that have shaped its role in promoting international collaboration in areas such as education, science, and culture.

  • Collaborative learning: "The UNESCO Journey" emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, encouraging players to work together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals, reflecting the cooperative spirit of UNESCO ASPnet.

© NEXT Københavns Mediegymnasium