One day, students are going to classes, playing sports, taking music lessons, hanging with friends, and dreaming about their futures. The next, they’re separated from classmates, unable to visit with grandparents and cousins, fearing illness and loss, and feeling anxious about what’s to come.  

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a distinct impact on the world’s young people, and Global Nomads is taking swift action to help them connect and cope.

We are adapting the classroom-based Global Nomads’ Student to World program to enable youth (ages 12-18) to embark on a self-paced learning journey from home.  Parents and caregivers are now able to sign up and support young people’s online exploration of topics they care most about. 

Top of mind for many, of course, is COVID-19. So, Global Nomads is creating a way for teens to process their experience with the pandemic in a safe, supported space where they can share how they are feeling, exchange stories with their global peers, and compare perspectives.

After a brief introductory mini-lesson, youth will move through four interactive modules that prompt reflection and dialogue and forge a sense of human connection and belonging:

#EverydayQuaranteen: In what ways has your life changed due to COVID-19? How are you adjusting to the shifts in daily life and social distancing mandates? 

#EverydayLocal: How is your local community responding to recent challenges? (e.g. heightened volunteerism, food hoarding, virtual events, staying home!)

#EverydayGlobal: Explore the interdependence of your local community, your country and other nations. How can your actions impact the lives of others? 

#EverydayAction: What are ways that you can help reduce the spread of this virus? How can you make time in quarantine less stressful for others? Develop a project idea and outline goals aimed at making a difference locally or globally.

With COVID-19 forcing people apart, Global Nomads is using what we know about bridging distance and difference to draw young people together in ways that will have both immediate and lasting impact in their lives.