Flagstaff Academy Charter School hosted its annual Global Problems Community Event, where approximately 30 passionate 6th-grade students took center stage to present their research on some of the world’s most pressing global issues. The event was organized by 6th-grade language arts teacher Leha Youtz, who believes that despite the difficult nature of the topics, it provides an invaluable opportunity for students to think beyond their immediate surroundings and broaden their perspectives.
The event highlighted the students’ hard work and dedication as they explored a wide array of critical societal challenges, including teenage suicide and mental health, bullying, ocean destruction, sexual harassment and assault, tribalism, poverty, racism, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Their thought-provoking presentations sparked meaningful conversations among staff, family members, and friends, inspiring discussions on how these issues can be addressed and improved.
"The goal is to engage students in conversations that might feel uncomfortable, but are incredibly important," said Leha Youtz. “These topics are tough for sixth graders to fully grasp, but it is through events like this that they begin to think critically and realize that these problems don’t only exist in far-off places – they affect us all.”
Each student carefully researched their chosen global issue, and developed an informative presentation that not only highlighted the issue's significance but also facilitated group discussions. These conversations centered around potential solutions and ways to spark change. The event embodied Flagstaff Academy’s commitment to empowering young minds with the knowledge and tools to understand and address real-world challenges.
6th grader, Gossamer, tackled the important topic of sexism. “Forty-eight percent of women report feeling unsafe in the workplace due to sexual harassment,” Gossamer shared in her presentation. “Sexism occurs everywhere – in schools, the workplace, at home – and the sooner we can educate students, the better our chances of stopping it. Sexism has been around for centuries, and it’s about time we start addressing it in schools.”
Flagstaff Academy’s Global Problems Community Event proved to be an inspiring day for everyone involved. The powerful presentations and conversations left attendees reflecting on how they could make a difference in their own communities and the world. The event underscored the power of education, compassion, and teamwork in addressing global challenges, and highlighted the potential of young people to drive positive change.