16 year old Taia Steward, a Grade 10 student at Tohoku International School in Sendai, is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. She has been selected to participate on the Students on Ice program – a two week educational expedition to the western coast of Greenland and Canada’s High Arctic departing July 27th.
Celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year, the unique Students on Ice Foundation offers a profound hands-on experience for youth to expand their knowledge of the changing circumpolar world, foster a new understanding and respect for the planet, and gain the inspiration and motivation needed to help lead us to a healthy and sustainable future. Since its inception, more than 2,600 students from 52 countries have taken part.
It is the only organization in the world which offers an opportunity for students to be immersed in hands-on research activities and lectures, taught by Polar experts, 70 scientists, Inuit Elders, artists, musicians, historians, educators, and explorers. About 100 students from all over the world participate in this unique experience each year and Taia is proud to be one of them.
“We will do a wide range of different activities such as exploration, discovery, presentations, workshops, hands-on research, hikes, and lots of adventure. They tell us we will even go swimming! That will be cool!
“I genuinely believe that this will be an invaluable learning experience. In reading past testimonials from students, the experience was life changing, and they were inspired to continue to learn and educate others about the global importance and rich heritage of our Arctic environment. I know I will gain so much from being able to participate in this expedition.”
Japan School News will feature a full report of Taia’s adventure in a subsequent issue, so watch this space to find out more about this remarkable young woman and her participation on this amazing expedition.
To learn more about the Students on Ice Foundation: studentsonice.com
