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UNESCO ASPnet
About The Network
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) links educational institutions across the world around a common goal: to build the defences of peace in the minds of children and young people. The over 11,500 ASPnet member schools in 182 countries work in support of international understanding, peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainable development and quality education in practice.
ASPnet - a driver for innovation and quality in education - is recognized as an effective tool for reaching target 4.7 on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) of Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Education 2030. ASPnet uses three complementary approaches:
1. Creating: As a laboratory of ideas, ASPnet develops, tests and disseminates innovative educational materials and promotes new teaching and learning approaches based on UNESCO's core values and priorities.
2. Teaching & Learning: Capacity-building, innovative teaching and participative learning in specific ASPnet thematic areas allow school principals, teachers, students and the wider school community to integrate UNESCO's values and become role models in their community and beyond.
3. Interacting: ASPnet gives its stakeholders opportunities to connect and exchange experiences, knowledge and good practices with schools, individuals, communities, policy-makers and society as a whole. ASPnet operates at both international and national levels. A team at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris oversees the network's international coordination. At the country level, ASPnet National Coordinators are designated by UNESCO's National Commissions. Principals, teachers and students lead activities in member schools.
Membership
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) currently has around 10,000 members in over 180 countries. Membership is open to public or private educational institutions which provide pre-primary, primary, secondary, technical or vocational education, or teacher training, in formal or non-formal settings.
Membership is based on a firm commitment by the school leadership and community to promote the ideals and values of UNESCO by reinforcing the humanistic, ethical, cultural and international dimensions of education.
Member schools are a key promoter of UNESCO values and the integration of international perspectives into schools. They volunteer to contribute to the development of innovative educational content, to pioneer new teaching methods and learning approaches, to interact and collaborate with other ASPnet members and to build partnerships with different stakeholders to improve their practices and become agents of change in their communities. All members undertake multidisciplinary projects related to peace and human rights, sustainable development, global citizenship and intercultural learning.
If you represent an institution which is interested in becoming a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), the first thing you should do is to become familiar with UNESCO's mission and work and with the. The ASPnet National Coordinator or the National Commission for UNESCO in your country can provide you with additional and country-specific information. Furthermore, you need to consult with your school community (principal, teaching and administrative staff, school board, student representatives, families) and seek their agreement and support.
The formal provision for a school entering the network is established through two phases, namely (i) a national pre-selection and, upon recommendation of the National Coordinator, (ii) a review for formal admission and international certification by UNESCO.
Interested schools and teacher training institutions may apply here to join the network.
