During a recent field trip to the United Nations (UN), fourth graders expanded their understanding of global citizenship and international cooperation. They learned about refugees, who they are, why people are forced to leave their homes due to war or persecution, and the challenges they face when seeking safety, thus building empathy and recognizing the importance of supporting displaced communities.

Students also learned about the history of the UN’s founding after World World II, sat in the impressive General Assembly Hall, and explored the UN’s Women’s Center.  Ms. Nia Watson, teacher, shared that “students learned why it is important to stand up for fairness and justice, and how each of us has a role in fighting for world peace… This experience ties directly into our annual World Peace Game, where [fourth graders] work together to solve global problems. The game encourages teamwork, collaboration, and compromise, challenging students to develop thoughtful solutions in peaceful ways. Through [these experiences], students see that creating peace requires communication, cooperation, and a shared commitment to positive change.”