Make a Change – Make the World a Better Place

Class 4b is currently dealing with the topic “Get active – make a difference” in its English lessons. Based on the text “How you can make a change – a six step plan for young people” we discussed how we, as teenagers, can make a real difference in the world. You might think that changing the world is something only adults can do, but that’s not true! We have the power to create positive change right now.

Here are our ideas – a list of ways to help make the world a better place ecologically, economically, and socially.

Ecological improvement

1. Recycle: Use recycling bins for paper, plastic, and glass to reduce waste.
2. Save Water: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and take shorter showers.
3. Plant Trees: Participate in tree-planting events in your community or donate money for such a project.
4. Use Less Plastic: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping instead of using plastic bags. That reduces waste.
5. Walk or Bike and Use Public Transport: If possible, walk or ride your bike instead of using a car for short trips. Going by bus or train is better than flying for long distances.
6. Learn About Nature: Read books or watch documentaries about the environment to understand its importance.
7. Volunteer to Clean Up: Be part of initiatives in your communities, encourage friends and tutor younger children.
8. Eat Local, Organic Food: Don’t buy products from distant countries or industrial mass production. This way you can reduce your CO2-footprint.

Economic Contributions

1. Support Local Shops: Buy from local stores instead of big chains to help your community.
2. Choose Fair Trade Products: Buy items that are fair trade to support fair wages for workers.
3. Save Energy: Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use to save electricity.
4. Share Resources: Share books, toys, or tools with friends and neighbours instead of buying new ones.
5. Generate Electricity Through Solar Energy: Our school and homes should only be heated and supplied with electricity using sustainable energy.

Social input

1. Volunteer: Offer your time to help at local charities, shelters, or community events.
2. Be Kind: Treat everyone with respect and kindness, and help those in need.
3. Join Clubs: Participate in school clubs that focus on helping others, like a community service club.
4. Raise Awareness: Talk to your friends and family about important social issues, like bullying or climate change.
5. Support Classmates: Help classmates who may be struggling with schoolwork or personal issues.

Here are some quotes that inspire us get active:

• “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.” – Molière
• “People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.” – Lewis Cass
• “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.“ – Steve Jobs
• „Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.“ – Barack Obama
• “Educationis the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Our conclusion is, “It is important to be brave enough to say what you think and to speak up. But you should also be open to other opinions and be ready to support others to fight for their ideas, if you share their values.”

Parts of this article were written with the support of KI.