Think Global, Act Local
BY ANNA, First Year Specialist (Year 12), IBDP Pupil
22 January 2026
charterhouse news
Charterhouse has an ever-strengthening partnership with Concordis International, an NGO working to build peace in South Sudan and other regions.
On Tuesday 13 January, we, as IB pupils, were invited to take part in an interactive workshop led by Concordis. This session proved to be an eye-opening experience, illuminating the work of local volunteers such as Tabitha and Joseph. Tabitha has stepped up to be a peace-build role model in her community, despite losing her husband to the conflict, and Joseph uses his DJ platform to help mediate the tensions between the Twic and the Ngok tribes fighting over Abyei.
Pupils also partook in mediation training; we role-played in a peace conference from the perspective of the Ngok, Twic, and mediators, attempting to reach solutions. I enjoyed this exceptional evening and it has inspired me and many others to consider how we can mediate peace among ourselves, contribute to the Charterhouse community, and support Concordis via fundraising.
The IBDP pupils will be leading various fundraising efforts in the coming months, and we look forward to the whole School community’s support.
We are so proud to partner with Concordis International. The peace building work of this incredible organisation aligns so well with a key mission of the IB: Education for a more peaceful world, and our pupils are so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from and fundraise alongside Concordis as part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme. Young people face a world full of challenge, but in applying the IB’s philosophy of Think Global, Act Local, Concordis are modelling for our pupils how they can, through the skills they are learning and opportunities they are gaining as part of their Diploma Programme, work to make a genuine difference.
CATHERINE McDonald, CHARTERHOUSE DIRECTOR OF IB
It was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the important work we do at Concordis with such an engaged and thoughtful group of IB pupils. The obvious interest shown in global affairs and community participation during the mediation roleplay was remarkable, and indicative of the benefits the IB can offer.
CHARLIE TURNER (G21), Concordis Programme Intern
Concordis staff support those who live where conflict is fought and felt. We work hand in hand with communities, helping them find workable solutions that address the root causes of conflict and contribute to lasting peace and economic development.
We engage for the long term to build trusting relationships and leave a legacy that enables future conflict to be managed peacefully within the community. We work to our values of humility, impartiality, and inclusivity.
KATE GILES, Concordis FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
