August 12 | International Youth Day Multimedia Resources and Lesson Plan
Share the importance of International Youth Day with your students. MY HERO's multimedia lesson plan inspires students to be partners in global change.
The theme for International Youth Day 2025 is "Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future", with the slogan "Empowering Youth, Building Tomorrow". This theme emphasizes the crucial role young people play in driving sustainable development and fostering environmental stewardship. It highlights the need to empower youth to take active roles in their communities and shape a better future through innovation and leadership.
The following stories honor young heroes working to overcome the consequences of the climate change.
The following films reflect on the effects of climate change.
Brave New World is about climate change. (3 min.)
The film showcases the effects of climate change, and what we could face if we don't take action soon. (3:38 min.)
Discussion Questions:
1. Identify people and organizations who are working on transforming food systems to become more sustainable. Share their story with MY HERO using the Create Program.
2. What are some of the consequences of Climate Change?
3. What is being done to improve the status of climate change? What can you do?
Students watch the following films about young people making a positive difference in the world.
Inspire students to become partners in global change with the following discussion guide.
In mini-documentary style, a plastic water bottle is purchased then followed through a typical day in the hands of a high school student. (3 min.)
A group of 10 young environmentalists changing the world for the better. Their powers make the planet greener. (00:54 min.)
Mohamed Sidibay is a survivor of a horrific civil war in Sierra Leone, where he was forced to fight as a child soldier. Now he advocates for better access to education worldwide. (2:48 min)
He Named Me Malala is a portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai. (2:31 minutes)
Off the Grid: A Climate Solution
Two girls go to Nepal to build a shelter that will collect fresh water and solar energy in hopes of solving community problems. (2:15 min.)
Interview with Youth Activist Sophie Healy-Thow
Learn about the Act4Food Act4Change campaign founded by Irish Youth Activist Sophie Healy-Thow amongst other young people aspiring for change in the food industry. (20:28 min.)
Feed the Future
This film illustrates the environmental effects of meat consumption. (4:32 min.)
Planting to Protect
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy's Native Seed Farm plays an important role in protecting California's unique ecosystem. (2:55 min)
MABON ‘The 8 year old activist’
Our world has a serious ocean plastics problem. There are now a higher number of plastics in the ocean than the number of fish. (4:39 min)
Discussion Questions
1. Both Mohamed Sidibay and Malala Yousafzai are advocates for children's equal rights to education. Who else is an advocate for children's rights to education? Share his or her story with MY HERO.
2. Mabon and his mum, Laura, take their time to methodically clean the beach and name and shame the brands that produce the single-use plastic in the first place. Why is single-use plastic bad for the environment? What can you do?
3. Youth activists are working to make positive changes in the food industry and protecting the environment. What did you learn from these films? What can you do to make a difference?
4. There are villages in Nepal that do not have access to clean water supplies. Where else in the world is access to clean water limited? What can be done?
5. What are the benefits to electric cars vs cars run on gasoline?
Students watch the films below about two young filmmakers who use their craft to shine a light on issues that are important to them: climate change, identity, and racism.
Students consider the discussion questions.
Slater Unstoppable
Director Slater Jewell-Kemker shares her journey with MY HERO. (1:47 min.)
Women Transforming Media: Gabrielle Gorman
Emerging filmmaker Gabrielle Gorman's poetic filmmaking confronts issues like identity, racism and self-love. Her goal is to make art for social change. (9:37 min.)
1. What issues are important to you? What can you do? Create an action plan and share your story with MY HERO.
2. How can you express an issue that is important to you through film or song? Share your project with MY HERO.
Featured Stories
Discussion Questions
1. How does Dorcas Lukwesa's Mobile Aquaponics promote food security under climate crisis and reduce poverty in Zambia?
2. What are some causes of hunger? What is being done to alleviate this problem?
Artwork
Research Claudette Colvin and Samantha Smith: Why do you think Robert Shetterly chose to paint their portraits?
Additional Film Resource: MY HERO Suggested Video
MY HERO Suggested Video
"Isra Hirsi" (2019) by Brower Youth Awards
Isra Hirsi is a 16-year-old from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the US Youth Climate Strike, which focuses on fighting the climate crisis through climate strikes and climate policy.
Learning Outcomes
Students will understand how they are not limited by age to make a positive difference.
Students will develop research and critical thinking skills as they evaluate children's access to education.
Students are encouraged to use multimedia to celebrate a personal hero.
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The International Youth Day lesson plan was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
MY HERO Calendars for use in the Classroom
MY HERO's Teachers Calendar Features Lesson Plans and Multimedia Resources
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
International Youth Day
Official UN Website
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
Related Pages
Organizer created on 7/8/2019 7:08:10 AM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 7/21/2025 11:07:45 AM by Abigail Richardson
