An IB education fosters creativity and imagination, challenging students to excel academically and personally. This is particularly appealing for the students of the Young Living Academy who typically come from families that are disadvantaged due to economic situations. Through IB programs, students would have the opportunity to explore local and global issues, discuss ways to drive positive change, and to contribute to a peaceful world through intercultural respect and understanding.
The Academy employees working diligently to earn this certification are Mariela Gaybor, International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Paulina Huayamaye, Academy Director, and Andrea Ollague, Acadamy Program Director. These three women recently returned from an IB training convention in Costa Rica to complete a critical step towards the coveted accreditation.
Becoming an International Baccalaureate school perfectly aligns with the Academy’s mission of building Ecuador’s future leaders. The IB supports this goal by encouraging students to be:
1. Inquirers. Students’ curiosity is important to developing strong research skills and to sustain a love for learning, even after graduation.
2. Knowledgeable. Students engage with issues that have both local and global significance which helps develop understanding across the disciplines.
3. Thinkers. Students employ critical and creative thinking to find ways to solve often complex problems.
4. Communicators. Students are encouraged to learn other languages to establish a deeper connection to others’ perspectives and experiences.
5. Principled. Students learn to take responsibility for their choices and actions and are taught the importance of integrity and fairness.
6. Open-minded. Students appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, as well as learning to value the traditions of others.
7. Caring. Students show compassion and respect and strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
8. Risk-takers. Students realize that growing up involves a lot of uncertainty, which they learn to conquer by working independently and collaboratively to develop strategies that ensure success.
9. Balanced. Students learn to properly balance the intellectual, physical, and emotional aspects of their lives for overall well-being.
10. Reflective. Students consider their strengths and weaknesses to find their place as a contributor in the world.
