Vivian Onano, an award-winning social entrepreneur, humanitarian, activist, and advocate for girls' education in Africa, recently visited to speak with Upper School students in all three sections of Economics & Politics and the Global Issues, Local Action class.

Ms. Onano discussed her work to advance sustainable development and girls’/women’s education in Africa as a strategic advisor to government leaders, philanthropists, and members of the private sector. 

She shared the ways she has forged partnerships with private sector leaders to leverage their impact for positive local and global change. She also described her engagement with multilateral institutions on their sustainable development strategies and investments. 

Emphasizing the role of governments and non-profit organizations in securing quality education for all, Ms. Onano detailed her consulting work with governments on national development programs, and her advising work with youth-focused organizations. Describing all of her engagements, Ms. Onano clarified the importance of inclusion and the need for voices within local communities to be empowered.

In each of the class visits, Ms. Onano discussed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goal # 5, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Ms. Onano herself was a key player in the mobilization of young peoples’ input for the consultative process leading to the adoption of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. The goals were developed to provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. RCDS has also adopted the 17 SDGs as a central part of its Global Studies Signature Program. Ms. Onano reminded students to always ask themselves how their work, thinking, and advocacy–regardless of scale–tie into these important humanitarian goals.

Each class featured energetic discussion as students asked Ms. Onano a range of questions about her experiences in Africa and on the international stage. Students also listened carefully then she answered their requests for any advice she could offer them as soon-to-be college students who want to have a positive global impact.

The closing highlight of each session was the empowerment clap, an inspirational activity that Ms. Onano leads with girls and women she works with throughout Africa.

Thank you, Ms. Onano, for the informative sessions and the important reminder that each and every citizen of the world can make a positive difference as a champion of human rights.