“Latin American and Caribbean Rally: Schools with Sustainable Future 2016” organized by the Vive con Esperanza Foundation

“Latin American and Caribbean Rally: Schools with Sustainable Future 2016” organized by the Vive con Esperanza Foundation

What is the Rally?

The Continental Rally “Schools with a Sustainable Future” is an open competition for all public and private schools in Latin America and the Caribbean, without registration fees, where participants have the opportunity to acquire and develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and values needed to build a sustainable future and to address adequately the crisis and risks associated with climate change. The Rally demonstrates the international scope of the commitments with sustainable development and disaster risk management through the performance of the schools in their local territory by showing the challenges of the countries, regions and cities in Latin America and the Caribbean. This challenge allows the participating youth to understand and embrace new ways of dealing with their own environment, to solve important problems using innovative ways, such as science and technology, as well as using networks and resources available to strengthen their relations with their local community. The educational community (directors, teachers and parents) guides and accompanies the initiatives of the youth, by encouraging them throughout this great challenge to promote sustainable development and resilient communities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Why is it important to support the Rally?

Participating schools need to strengthen their capacity and links to become continental leaders, which is why active participation of local governments, universities, civil society and private sector, as well the press, is essential to promote the participation, performance and achievements of the schools in the local sphere. The Rally Schools with a Sustainable Future is an initiative of the Fundación Vive con Esperanza with the support of:

• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) through its Regional Office for the Americas

• General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS)

And the promotion of:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Global Campaign “Making Cities Resilient: My City is Getting Ready”

Who can participate in the Rally?

Public and private schools in Latin America and the Caribbean composed of youth up to 17 years old may participate without registration fee, as well the following different social stakeholders: National and local governments, who bring their commitment, their convening power and their important leadership. Universities, who bring their expertise and leadership in the creation of scientific knowledge and researching, as well as teachers’ training and capacity support, providing interns and experts. Their deeper commitment , allow universities to offer incentives for exceptional efforts of students and teachers, through scholarships. The press and social networks, who support the dissemination of the call and outstanding initiatives at different levels: local, national and international. Private sector, who provide expertise, volunteers, products and services, as well as financial and technical support. Civil society organizations, who provide their convene capacity and their technical and social support.

How to participate in the Rally?

For more information on how to participate in the Rally, click here.