In the Fall semester of 2023, Jane Aghjayan, a fourth-year Chemical Engineering student at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), took the initiative to revolutionize the learning experience for her peers. Aghjayan serves as an Ambassador of Change, also known as an Ambassador of the SDG Brain Lab, in the UN Global Compact Network, Lebanon.
Aghjayan collaborated with the instructors of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences’ (FNHS) Food Security and Sustainability course (FQM 200) namely FNHS Lecturers, Ms. Cecile Obeid and Ms. Romy Chammas. Together, they sought to enhance students' understanding of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlight these goals’ correlation with the content of the course. Aghjayan, well aware that students had to complete a project by the end of the semester, set out to introduce an innovative twist.
The traditional project was reimagined, with each topic linked to one of the 17 SDGs. Aghjayan encouraged her fellow students to follow suit, fostering a deeper connection between the course material and the global objectives outlined by the United Nations. This approach not only challenged students to think critically but also provided them with an opportunity to become more adept at presenting ideas, a strategy that aligns with practical aspects of the UN’s work.
To incentivize creativity and effort, students who opted for alternative project formats, such as reports, documentaries, or forms, received extra grades. On the day of the presentation, Aghjayan, accompanied by her UN colleagues, attended and evaluated the projects. Winners were selected, and everyone received a certificate for participation, while special awardees received a unique certificate and had their articles reposted by the UN on their official website.
In Section A, the winners were Group Six and Group Eight. The two groups’ participants were as follows:
Group Six
- Marilynn Tabet
- Lea Al Fata
- Jennifer Halawi
- Jonathan Halawi
- Layla El Khoury
- Jana Ghossoub
Group Eight
- Elie Semaan
- Youssef Ftouni
- Kevin Abdo
- Elio Khoury
- Bruno Fares
- Elizabeth Haddad
Further, the following were the winners of Section B:
- Ali Sabeh
- Chloe Semaan
- Serena Merheb
- Lynn Irani
- Christy Malek
- Elias Joseph El Hachem
- Elie Ibrahim
- Jean Michel Abou Jaoude
- Karim Bteich
- Michelle El Khoury
- Myriam Maalouf
- Rebecca El Bitar
This innovative approach not only enriched the academic experience but also offered NDU students a platform for maximum exposure. Aghjayan took her commitment a step further by establishing a group called "Opportunities 2023–2024." This platform enables FQM students to explore various opportunities provided by different organizations across diverse fields.
Aghjayan’s efforts have not only transformed the way students engage with their coursework but have also created a lasting impact by connecting academic achievements with real-world applications. As an Ambassador of Change, she continues to inspire her peers, fostering a culture of innovation and global awareness within the NDU community.