Global Kids

On June 16, youth representatives from the Office of Neighborhood Safety Youth Leadership Council joined New Yorkers from across the city for an evening of reflection, celebration, and community in honor of Juneteenth, hosted by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani at Gracie Mansion. The event brought together community leaders, advocates, artists, and residents to recognize the significance of Juneteenth and celebrate Black history, resilience, and achievement. Our youth were inspired by remarks from city leaders, powerful cultural performances, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others who are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive New York City.

🍌 What if a banana could save a child’s sight or spark a global conversation?

At Global Kids, our young leaders across New York City are diving deep into one of the most compelling global health stories of our time: the Super Banana.
 
Developed after 13 years of research in Uganda, this genetically engineered banana is packed with Vitamin A, a nutrient whose absence affects 190 million preschool children worldwide, causes 500,000 young people to lose their sight, and is responsible for nearly 6% of child deaths across Africa. Scientists designed it to be distributed freely to local farmers, with no patents and no royalties.

But this story isn’t just about science. It’s about who gets to decide what communities eat, how biodiversity is protected, and what “solving” a problem really means to the people living it.
 
Our students writing in English, Spanish, Bangla, and French are reading this story, connecting it to food insecurity in their own heritage countries, and responding with original poetry that bridges the global and the personal.
 
Because global health isn’t just a news story. It’s their story too. 🌍✍🏽
 
Special thank you
Super Banana Article link in bio!

This year, some of our incredible young leaders had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards ceremony!

As a proud partner of , we have seen firsthand the power of this organization from hosting our students in Washington, D.C. to creating meaningful opportunities that expand the horizons of young people. Vital Voices is dedicated to championing women leaders who are driving change in their communities and across the globe, and their annual awards ceremony brings together some of the world’s most inspiring advocates, changemakers, and trailblazers.

For our students, attending this event was more than just a night out, it was a powerful reminder that leadership takes many forms, and that their voices matter too. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Vital Voices and so proud of the young people we get to work with every day.

🌍 What an incredible day at the Global Kids–DC Annual Youth Conference!

On Saturday, May 30, over 70 young people came together at the University of the District of Columbia’s Van Ness Campus for a truly special event.

This year’s theme, Teen Safety, was chosen by the youth themselves and they showed up and showed OUT. 💪 Students led workshops, performances, and interactive activities exploring what safety looks like in their communities and around the world.

From powerful conversations with guest speakers and local experts to a heartfelt celebration honoring our graduating seniors, this day was one for the books. 🎓✨ So proud of every single young person who made this happen!

Good things happen when great people work together! Celebrating Partnership Week with our amazing DCPS family — here's to the students, the leaders, and the global citizens in the making. 💙

The 3rd Annual QSHS STEM Expo featured hands-on experiences, student-led presentations, and displays that highlighted the incredible work happening across Queens South high schools.
 
You know who was also there? John Adams High School and Global Kids. We believe that preparing the next generation of leaders means connecting them to real pathways in STEM, in their communities, and beyond. 
 
Events like this one are exactly how we make that happen!