How Global Citizenship Is Forming Young Hearts for Justice

As I visit schools and engage with young people, a common thread emerges: the desire of young people to make a difference. As teachers prepare new lessons, looking for the best ways to inspire the young minds they are entrusted with, not only are they looking at the core curriculum, they're looking for fresh ways to develop depth of character in the next generation of global leaders.

20 Mar, 2025

The landscape of education is shifting in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. Today’s education system is expanding its vision to nurture well-rounded individuals who understand their role in a global society. This shift does not detract from the academic but is also fostering a deeper connection to the world and its pressing issues.

One way to shape this new generation into empathetic leaders is by developing in them a sense of global citizenship. But what does it mean to be a global citizen, why does it matter, and how can it impact young people’s hearts for justice?

What does it mean to be a global citizen?

Being a global citizen means to understand and embrace the interconnectedness of humanity. It’s about recognising that the world’s injustices are not isolated to one country or region. A global citizen sees beyond their own borders, realising that everyone, regardless of nationality, culture or economic background, is part of the same human family.

In more practical terms, global citizenship involves more than just awareness; it calls for action. For young people, this could look like taking part in school-led charity engagement, advocating for sustainable practices, or simply learning about and respecting cultures different from their own.

How service learning helps shape global citizens

Hand-held devices build youth’s awareness of global challenges, but they can also drive focus inwards, the attention economy feeding endless naval gazing.

Enter global citizenship.

Global citizenship focused service-learning opportunities encourage young minds to break free from the digital bubble and engage with the broader world around them—creating an empathetic, compassionate generation of people who lead with love.

Developing a heart of service in students has become a core part of school life and schools at large are seeking new, innovative and powerful ways to do this well. Through focused programs and initiatives that teach about biblical justice, poverty and sustainability, young people begin to see the world not just as a place filled with problems but as a space in which they can be active participants in creating solutions.

Compassion’s mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. To do that, we take a holistic approach to child development. Much like the local church partners Compassion works with across 29 countries, schools here in Australia are also recognising that their responsibility goes well beyond academic achievement.

Investing in the development of a child’s character and worldview means schools are not just preparing students for exams but for a life marked by being informed, compassionate and effective global citizens.

This is how we shape a future generation that is not only aware of the struggles of children living in poverty but also are equipped to adopt a resilient mindset and attitude of servanthood. The impact of teaching students to be global citizens is that they will change the world for the better—one compassionate action at a time.

Why does a global citizenship focused curriculum matter?

In a world increasingly defined by division and polarity, understanding our shared humanity is more important than ever. Global citizenship helps young people develop empathy, and by seeing the world beyond their immediate surroundings in a new and tangible light and putting themselves in the shoes of others, students can better grasp the concept of loving their global neighbours.

The importance of global citizenship in curriculum lies in its ability to create a more inclusive and compassionate future for individuals and school communities alike. As we look at the major challenges faced by the world today—natural disasters, political instability, global health crises and economic disparity—it’s clear that these are not problems that any one country can solve alone. They require cooperation, understanding and action from all of us.

For young people, cultivating empathy and a sense of justice early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of service and advocacy. It teaches them that their actions—no matter how small—can contribute to a more equitable world.

The depth of character development that comes with having a greater sense of global citizenship means young people are more likely to engage in volunteer work, support ethical organisations, care about social issues and advocate for policies that promote equality and generosity. They are also more likely to become leaders in their communities, both while at school and beyond the school gates.

What does God say about it?

As Christians, the call to love our neighbours extends beyond our own backyard. God’s Word speaks of justice, compassion and caring for the marginalised. In Micah 6:8, we are reminded to "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." A global citizen embraces this calling by recognising that every person—regardless of where they live—is made in God’s image and deserving of dignity and respect.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Jesus captures the heart of global citizenship: serving others, particularly the vulnerable, is not just an act of kindness, but also reflects our love for God.

By teaching young people to be global citizens, we are encouraging them to reflect God’s heart for justice, compassion and mercy.

Let’s get practical!

As educators, parents and the broader community, we have a responsibility to nurture young people who are not only aware of the world’s needs but are motivated and empowered to do something. But with hundreds of approaches and programs crossing principals’ desks every year, how do you know if you’re on the right path?

A common and effective approach is to have your school engage on three levels: local, national and global.

These three spheres allow a school to have effective impact while avoiding the ‘scatter gun’ approach of one-off giving or fundraising activities with many different organisations. It helps a school distribute its impact and connect with areas of interest or passion, all while aligning with curriculum elements such as history, geography, service learning, Christian studies and more.

There is value in a hands-on local approach—think serving meals in your local community shelter or cooking for Ronald McDonald House. And there’s power in empowering our global neighbours to be Jesus’ hands and feet in transforming their communities—that is at the heart of Compassion’s mission.

Compassion’s child development program is upheld by Australian supporters, empowering and equipping local church partners in our program countries through awareness and fundraising here at home. These resources are used by locals, for locals. They know their communities best and they’re the ones that will be there for the long term.

Our heart as an organisation is to raise up a generation of young people who see the value of supporting our neighbours facing poverty around the world and want to be a part of seeing change in their lifetime.

How schools are fostering global citizenship with Compassion Australia

Thanks to the partnership of schools, we are witnessing lives transformed, both children and youth here in Australia and in the local churches we partner with overseas. In 2024:

• 6,500 students engaged with the message of biblical justice and the issue of poverty through school workshops, chapel talks and Field Experience Visits.
• Over 4,000 students were mobilised to engage in advocacy and fundraising efforts, supporting Compassion in the mission to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
• St Philip’s Christian College Port Stephens had an unforgettable, immersive Field Experience Visit to the Philippines, connecting with local church partners, seeing crucial disaster relief work and viewing Compassion’s work firsthand. Not only that, but the students also returned home transformed in their own faith journeys and their commitment to advocate for their global neighbours.
• Alongside our long-term partners and friends, we saw new schools partner with Compassion for the first time—our community is growing!

Here's what Scarlet from St Philip’s reflected on after she joined the Compassion Field Experience in October 2024:

“The program was really eye opening because it showed us a whole different perspective of the world. It was amazing to see how God reaches all these people, and they are so happy and welcoming with what they have. We definitely had a lot to learn, and it was really humbling to see their living conditions with your own eyes, but it was an experience we’ll never forget.

“I loved the fact that language barriers weren’t a problem in the churches because the worship was deeper than words and we connected with loads of people through songs and dances and games. We also taught them some Australian games and dances like the Nutbush and handball and hand clap games.

“I think moving forward it’s definitely made us a whole lot more aware of the privileges we take for granted in Australia and how most of us live unaware to the struggle of some communities, and there is always a way we can get involved and help out.”

How your school can engage with Compassion Australia

We have a heart to walk alongside your school and develop a long-term, sustainable partnership. You can connect with Compassion in a variety of impactful ways:

• Keynote speaker addresses for school assemblies, chapel services or events such as Mother’s Day, International Women’s Day and Easter. 
• The Village Game Workshop: an immersive opportunity to be a global citizen and step into the shoes of a child living in poverty, experiencing what it might be like to struggle to survive on less. 
• The Make a Difference Workshop: an educational workshop deep diving into what it is to be a ‘good neighbour’, learning about poverty and taking a hands-on approach to impact. 
• Poverty Stops With Me: this easy to follow, self-paced learning journey provides resources for both junior and senior school students to dive deeper into the issue of poverty at an age-appropriate level. 

To find out more about how you can partner with Compassion and inspire your students to use their heads, hearts and hands to make an impact, email schools@compassion.com.au and we will connect you with the School Partnerships team to begin the conversation.

Written by Steph Andrews, Compassion Australia