Lights of Our Future
SABIC and JA Worldwide are working together to expand access to educational experiences that inspire and engage young people as ambassadors for a sustainable future.
““Through the ‘Lights of Our Future’ program, I have experienced a kind of education not found in textbooks, which has allowed me to develop hands-on skills in research and presentations, amongst other things. Today’s competition has given me a deeper understanding of sustainable development, as well as the importance of energy conservation. The journey to protect this rich and precious world starts at home with ourselves.”
”
Partnership News & Highlights
““This is a truly business-to-grassroots initiative, with employees from SABIC volunteering to journey with students learning about sustainability. It is so important for the youths of today to be engaged in these real world challenges from an early age. The brilliant ideas that the students came up with shows their deep interest, and nurtures their creativity in thinking about solutions that can be implemented locally. We hope that we will see more of these programmes across schools in Singapore in time to come.” ”
About the Partnership
Our partnership is built on common missions to educate and empower the next generation of global citizens and to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
JA locations engage more than 700 SABIC volunteers to deliver learning experiences that prepare more than 15,000 young people to become workforce-ready global citizens.
Our newest global partnership spans 14 JA locations in 13 countries. In addition, SABIC and JA China have a long-standing Lights of Our Future partnership.
Learning Themes
““Despite being young, participants were encouraged to think big and resolve difficult issues that will impact their future. To do that, they had to think critically and creatively. Also, the students extremely enjoyed and valued the interaction with the volunteers, as it inspired them on possible career opportunities that they can have. Skills learned through such programmes and experiences like these help shape their learning journey in school and their confidence as young leaders of tomorrow.””
Locations
Regional Operating Centers
INJAZ Al-Arab (JA MENA)
““As a school that values sustainability as part of lifelong learning for the pupils, this programme has provided a platform for them to apply their learning and contribute towards awareness of environmental issues. Through their great teamwork in coming up with ideas to address such issues, they are actively inspiring others to think about the possibilities needed to tackle climate change. Thus, the experience gained is authentic. I believe the pupils have learned and enjoyed the whole journey. Their voices in addressing issues on climate change will be valuable resources for the next generation to come.””
Learning Experiences
Lights of Our Future enables JA locations to expand and deliver inclusive and quality educational opportunities for young people.
Educators and volunteers work together to offer several of JA’s global program models, as well as locally-driven programs. They shape learning experiences to address their community’s sustainability challenges across the initiative’s four focus areas.
JA Company Program
The JA Company Program teaches young people about entrepreneurship and helps them start a new business. JA’s flagship program has been implemented all over the world and comes alive through the partnerships with companies like SABIC who share their expertise to help guide participating students as they realize their own entrepreneurial ventures. During the JA Company Program, students work with SABIC volunteers to learn the key elements involved in starting and operating a business.
Innovation Camps and Challenges
Innovation Camps and Challenges are intensive idea-generating workshops where students collaborate to address a specific business challenge related to sustainable development and the circular economy. Volunteers coach groups of students as they imagine, design, and present their business innovations. During innovation camps and challenges, students gain critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and presentation skills.
JA Job Spark and Job Shadow
The JA Job Spark and Job Shadow programs offer students opportunities to visit a professional work environment, engage employees, and gain insights into how to find and keep a fulfilling career. Volunteers help students recognize career clusters and potential job positions; understand the importance of researching the requirements needed to earn a position; and develop job-hunting tools, such as networking, resumes, and interviewing skills. Students acquire the skills needed in demanding and ever-changing workplaces.
Local Lights of Our Future Programs
Independent JA locations are leveraging local expertise and resources to create new program models that align with the initiative’s four themes. For example, with JA Argentina, SABIC volunteers are introducing JA students to computer programming through the “I Can Code” program; with JA Spain, volunteers are helping deliver the “'Entrepreneurship to Fight Climate Change” curriculum; and with Junior Achievement Vietnam the Lights of Our Future initiative is focused on school-based sustainability projects.
““Innovation Camp provided me with essential knowledge about how to be an entrepreneur and start my own project in a practical way.””