People all over the world share a common dream to have a life that is dignified. On October 20, selected student leaders at Etobicoke's  Kingsview Village JS were among the 100,000 plus in more than 40 countries who collaborated to explore, analyze, and develop next steps to make that dream a reality.

Global Dignity Day recognizes that we all can do something to lift the spirits of our friends or colleagues to make a positive change in the lives of ourselves and others. Empowering youth encourages them to find compassion in their hearts and to use an ethical compass to spread a message that emphasizes the importance of dignity.

HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Helsinki Institute Professor Pekka Himanen of Finland, and Oprah Angel network award recipient John Hope Bryant created Global Dignity in 2006. Since then they have worked with many Young Global Leaders and other partners all over the world, hosting Dignity Days. These events involve visiting local schools and communities around the world and hosting seminars or workshops, specifically designed for youth.

Under the supervision of their Technology/Literacy teacher, Shelly Mediratta, and co-faciliator Stefan Reichenbach, Global Dignity Day at Kingsview celebrated what unites us all, at a time where there seem to be so many growing divisions in the world. Students discussed issues such as positive character development, human rights, and the power to change the world, concepts that are taught and reinforced daily at Kingsview Village.

"The day was an absolute success," said Mediratta. "The learning was remarkable, the conversations were engaging, and the questions were critical and extended the learning of the participants," she added.

The message that the students took home with them at the end of the day is that there is no religion, no culture, or country that does not share the same longing: to live a life where we are dignified.