TakingITGlobal’s Connected North program has been selected as one of the 15 leading innovations featured in HundrED’s January 2025 Wellbeing in Schools Spotlight, a global initiative highlighting impactful and scalable solutions that support student wellbeing. This recognition underscores Connected North’s vital role in fostering social-emotional learning and community connection among Indigenous students in remote Canadian communities. Dahdaleh Community Fellow Jennifer Corriero is featured within the report as one of the key leaders interviewed for the Spotlight.

A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing

The HundrED Wellbeing in Schools report highlights that student wellbeing must be addressed holistically, integrating mental, social, and cultural dimensions. It cites the Oxford University Wellbeing Framework, which emphasizes the importance of health, people, environment, and skills in shaping students’ school experiences.

Programs like Connected North align with this approach by offering:

• Culturally responsive learning experiences that affirm Indigenous identities,
• Opportunities for students to engage with mentors and peers,
• Mental and emotional support through meaningful dialogue and storytelling,
• Encouragement of teacher well-being, recognizing the crucial role educators play in fostering a culture of well-being.

Empowering Remote Indigenous Communities

Connected North, an initiative of Toronto-based charity TakingITGlobal, provides virtual learning experiences that address the unique challenges faced by students in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Through live interactive sessions with experts, cultural mentors, and peers from across Canada, the program enhances students’ sense of belonging and cultural pride while combating isolation.

“We will have a live, virtual experience with a session that includes the use of their language or meeting with people from other nations. It’s very affirming like that: Nation to nation, sharing fosters inspiration and a sense of belonging, and overcoming feelings of isolation.”

Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director

The Selection Process and Impact

HundrED’s rigorous selection process evaluated innovations based on their impact, scalability, and evidence-based approach. 97 experts in education from 45 countries across 6 continents, including academics, innovators, teachers, and young people were involved in selecting the most impactful and scalable innovations.

Over 326 submissions were considered, and the Connected North program was acknowledged for its ability to create inclusive, safe learning environments that prioritize student wellbeing, particularly in communities where access to educational resources is limited.

According to the report, the program addresses several key challenges that Indigenous students face, such as social isolation, limited access to support services, and the need for culturally relevant education. By fostering meaningful connections through technology, Connected North helps students build self-awareness — a critical component of well-being.

A Global Dialogue on Wellbeing

HundrED’s Wellbeing in Schools Spotlight provides a platform to share insights from diverse education settings worldwide. The inclusion of Connected North not only recognizes its success but also offers an opportunity for other educational initiatives to learn from its culturally grounded, community-driven approach.

As Connected North continues to expand its reach, its inclusion in HundrED’s global collection affirms the program’s effectiveness in helping Indigenous students thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.

For more details about Connected North, visit www.connectednorth.org. You can also download the full HundrED Wellbeing in Schools report.

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