SDG #1: No Poverty
Learning Sequence
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What is SDG #1?
This week’s activity focuses on SDG 1 – No Poverty, blending real-world learning with future-focused skill development. Students will independently explore the impacts of poverty through a video, then choose a challenge related to this SDG. They’ll independently implement their chosen action, fostering problem-solving and leadership skills.
This hands-on approach not only enhances understanding of global issues but also nurtures autonomy and responsibility. Upon completion, students reflect and document their experience in a digital resume, building a portfolio of their actions against each SDG. This activity cultivates practical skills and a global mindset, essential for future leaders.
This week, we are going to focus on SDG number 1 – No Poverty.
Poverty is one of the biggest challenges in the 21st century, as people around the world suffer the consequences of climate change, war, and marginalisation.
As you are the leaders of tomorrow and the ones who will be taking over the leadership in our future world, we want to set you a challenge this week. Watch the video opposite and learn more about SDG #1 before choosing one of the challenges from our challenge card below.
Once you have chosen, we then ask you to attempt to make it happen and, once completed, reflect upon your learning by adding a new page to your digital resume. By the end of the course, your resume should have 17 pages, with one action achieved from each of the SDGs.
And to make it fun, we have designed a quiz at the end of each learning sequence to allow you to earn a certificate each week.
Good luck, and remember that alone we can change today, but together we can change forever.
Weekly Keywords
This activity involves providing students with keywords related to SDG #1 – No Poverty. Students are tasked with defining each keyword succinctly, honing their ability to simplify complex terms. This exercise not only enhances their understanding of the topic but also develops crucial communication skills.
Each week, we will provide you with a list of keywords associated with SDG #1 – No Poverty.
Carefully read these words and try to define each in as few words as possible. The ability to simplify complex terms into understandable language is a skill that will benefit you indefinitely.
Quote of the week - Nelson Mandela
In this week’s session, students engage with a quote from a renowned thought leader. They’ll creatively express their interpretation through art or a printed display.
The activity emphasizes discussion and reflection, encouraging students to delve into the quote’s significance and its relevance to their lives and the wider world. This approach fosters critical thinking and open dialogue, allowing students to explore how inspirational words can influence their actions and perspectives, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Each week we will give you an inspirational quote from one of the world’s great thought leaders.
We want you to take a not of the quote, print it out or create your own drawing around that quote.
When you have finished we want you to think about and discuss why this quote is so important and what it means to us. How can we impact the world using this quote as inspiration
Research - Creating an Infographic
In this weekly activity, you’ll create an infographic on a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), starting with SDG #1. Use the provided template and example as a guide, but feel free to add your own researched facts and statistics for depth.
Your design can include images, bar charts, graphs, and numerical data, with the flexibility to choose colors and layout. Completing this infographic is essential for earning a certificate at the end of each SDG Challenge.
Each week, we’ll ask you to create a simple infographic on one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Please refer to the example provided and then use the facts in the template to design your own infographic focused on SDG #1.
You can even research your own facts and statistics to make your own infographic more detailed. Remember that you can design the infographic in any way you choose, including images, bar charts, graphs and number statistics. You can even change the colour.
Once your infographic is complete, you’ll use it to obtain your certificate at the end of each SDG Challenge.
SDG Challenge Card SDG 1
This task invites students to engage with the Upschool Challenge for SDG 1 – No Poverty, emphasizing choice and agency. Teachers can encourage students to select from various challenges, allowing them to explore areas that resonate with them personally. This approach fosters a sense of freedom and individuality, as students are empowered to try something new and unique. It’s an opportunity for them to express their creativity and initiative while contributing to a meaningful global goal.
Take a look at the Upschool Challenge card for SDG 1 – No Poverty, and see how many challenges you can complete in the next 7 days. You might choose to tackle just one or all of them, but whatever your choice, ensure that you demonstrate confidence, determination, and persistence as you work through them.
These skills will be instrumental in helping you achieve your goals and make the world a better place.
Spin the Wheel and Use Your Voice
The wheel has chosen the person you'll be writing to.
Before you begin your letter, spend some time getting to know them. Read the information below and do a little research of your own. Find out who they are, what they do, what they believe in and the work they are known for.
The more you learn about the person you're writing to, the more personal, thoughtful and meaningful your letter will be.
As you explore, think about what you would like to ask them. You might want to share the work your class has been doing, ask for their advice, hear their thoughts on an important issue or simply learn more about their experiences.
Once you've finished your research, move on to the writing activity below. You'll learn a simple strategy for writing a respectful, engaging letter that gives you the best chance of receiving a response.
Remember, every conversation begins with someone choosing to reach out. This week, that someone is you.
Research Your Leader Before You Write to Them
This activity gives students the opportunity to communicate with a real person beyond the classroom, providing an authentic audience and a genuine purpose for writing.
Before students begin, encourage them to research the person they have been assigned. Reading about their background, achievements, interests and current work will help students develop a deeper understanding of who they are writing to, resulting in more thoughtful, personalised and meaningful letters. While guidance may be needed for younger students, allowing learners to carry out their own research encourages curiosity, critical thinking and informed communication.
Please ensure that all communication is managed through the school. Letters and emails should be sent using the school's postal address, email address and contact details only. Students should never include their personal home address, personal email address, telephone number or any other personal contact information.
Remind students that they are representing both themselves and their school. Their letters should always be respectful, courteous and considerate, even if they are asking challenging questions or expressing a different point of view. The aim is to encourage meaningful dialogue, demonstrating that respectful communication can open doors, build relationships and inspire positive change.
Once the wheel has spun its magic, your mission is to compose a captivating letter. In your letter, reflect on this week’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and suggest ways you think the chosen leader could contribute to these goals.
If some of these leaders are new to you, that’s a great opportunity to do a bit of research before you start writing.
You can choose to send your letter via post or email. All the details you need for this are on the task card opposite.
Remember, your aim is to spark a conversation — maybe you’ll get a reply, or even better, a phone call or a personal visit! Check out the tips below on how to craft an effective letter.
Best of luck on your journey!
How To Write The Perfect Letter/Email
In this activity, students engage in writing letters to global leaders, focusing on individual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Teachers facilitate the development of unique writing styles and letter-writing techniques.
The aim is to create impactful, attention-grabbing letters that resonate with influential recipients. Students are encouraged to blend creativity with formal writing skills, emphasizing persuasive language and personal expression. This practical exercise enhances their communication abilities and applies learning in a real-world scenario.
Because you’re writing to a highly influential and renowned individual, it’s crucial for your letter to be distinctive, increasing the likelihood of it being read and eliciting a response.
To enhance your chances of receiving a reply, there are specific elements you should include in your letter.
Refer to the provided example, which showcases a letter to the President of the USA regarding SDG 13 on climate action.
Study our example and adhere to our guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of your letter.
Post Your Letter - The Power of the Pen
This activity engages students in hands-on learning by having them write letters to world leaders about important issues. It emphasizes determination, as students persistently send letters weekly until they receive a response, teaching resilience and the impact of their voice in global conversations.
The aim is to create impactful, attention-grabbing letters that resonate with influential recipients. Students are encouraged to blend creativity with formal writing skills, emphasizing persuasive language and personal expression. This practical exercise enhances their communication abilities and applies learning in a real-world scenario.
Once you have crafted your letter on the issues that you think are the most important, it is then time to send your letter out to the world and hope for a response.
Each week, we will send a letter to a different world leader in the hope that they will respond.
If they don’t, do not despair; keep going until you get a response and get your voice heard by those who can help you on your mission to make the world a better place.
Determination is key! Keep going.
My Digital Resume - Adding Experience #1
This activity involves students creating a digital resume, a dynamic document showcasing their experiences and the impact of these experiences on the world and themselves. Each week, students add to their resume, starting with designing a personalized cover page. After completing the weekly SDG Challenge activity, they add a new page detailing their experience and reflections.
This process not only documents their journey through the course but also encourages self-expression and critical thinking. By the end, each student will have a 17-page resume, illustrating their growth and the power of engaging in meaningful work they are passionate about.
Each week, we are going to ask you to create your very own digital resume. A resume is a document that lists all of the experiences you have had, the impact they had on the world, and how they made you feel.
Take a look at my digital resume example opposite. I have added my first experience on page 2.
This week, we want you to design your cover page by inserting all of your key details. Then, once you have completed your SDG Challenge activity, we would like you to add one more page to your digital resume. By the end of the course, your Resume should be 17 pages long and can be used to show others just how powerful we can be when we are working on something that we love.
Make sure you document everything and make your resume unique to your own tastes by using our Canva template and redesigning it as you wish.
You can now say that you have your very own resume.
Take the SDG Quiz and Earn Your Certificate
The quiz provides a simple way for students to review and reinforce the key learning from this week's Sustainable Development Goal.
Students who achieve 80% or above will automatically receive a personalised certificate recognising their achievement. If a student does not reach 80% on their first attempt, encourage them to revisit the learning materials before trying again. The aim is mastery, not speed.
The quiz can be completed at school or at home on any computer, tablet or mobile device with an internet connection. This gives families the opportunity to become involved in the learning, revisit important concepts together and celebrate each child's achievement when they earn their certificate.
Each SDG includes its own certificate, giving students the opportunity to build a collection of 17 certificates as they progress through the programme. This encourages perseverance, celebrates achievement and provides tangible recognition of their learning journey.
As students complete each SDG, encourage them to add both their certificate and a reflection on what they have learned to their Digital Résumé, creating a lasting record of their knowledge, actions and impact. Over time, this becomes a powerful portfolio that showcases not only what students know, but how they have used their learning to make a positive difference in the world.
You've reached the end of your SDG #1 learning journey. Now it's time to see just how much you've learned.
Complete the short quiz below and test your knowledge of Sustainable Development Goal 1 : No Poverty.
If you score 80% or higher, you'll automatically receive your very own personalised Upschool Certificate with your name on it.
This is just the beginning.
There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which means there are 17 certificates waiting to be collected. Complete every SDG challenge, earn every certificate, and become a true changemaker for our world.
Good luck. We know you can do it!
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