2026 AFS Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Connect

Empowering Facilitators of Learning as Architects of Inclusive and Active Global Citizenship | Accepting Applications until October 21, 2026

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Welcome! The 2026 AFS Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Connect brings together a vibrant cohort of educators, school leaders, and advocates across the Philippines. Together, we connect international global competence frameworks with local classroom realities, Filipino teaching traditions, and the lived experiences of our communities.

This high-impact progressive learning journey is designed to empower Filipino educators, school leaders, and education advocates to become architects of inclusive and active global citizenship.

The program seamlessly integrates a Global Up Educators mixed cohort with international participants from countries across the Asia and Pacific region, alongside the live virtual GCED Impact Forum.

Together, we move beyond traditional instruction to translate global competence into everyday classroom practice and national policy recommendations, anchored in Philippine realities, Filipino pedagogical traditions, and local community experiences.

Event Primer

Program Highlights & Roadmap

  1. PHASE 1 Global Up Educators Self-Paced Online Learning & Virtual Facilitated Dialogue Sessions

  2. PHASE 2 GCED Blueprint Development

  3. PHASE 3 Virtual GCED Impact Forum

  • Timeline: November – December 2026
  • Overview: Complete 20 asynchronous online modules (10–15 hours total) on an interactive platform featuring videos, quizzes, and reflective prompts to build foundational global competence skills at your own pace. Participate in four (4) virtual Facilitated Dialogue Sessions (FDS) led by Qualified Facilitators alongside international peers from the AFS Asia-Pacific (AAI) network.
  • Timeline: Pre-forum take home activity (Deadline: Before the GCED Impact Forum)
  • Overview: Design your ideal GCED-integrated classroom using a digital canvas by determining their vision, identify hurdles to GCED integration, and mapping out immediate action for classroom application.
  • Timeline: December 5, 2026 (tentative)
  • Overview: Join a 4-hour, high-impact virtual forum featuring inspiring keynotes, peer coaching, an Action Lab policy hackathon, and rapid-fire pitches to national education leaders.

Why join the AFS GCED Connect?

Today’s classrooms are more than spaces for academic instruction—they are where culture, identity, belief, and civic challenges meet every day. As the mentors of future changemakers, educators are called to be facilitators of inclusive and active global citizenship through: dialogue, critical thinking, and peacebuilding.

By joining AFS GCED Connect, you can:

Receive the official AFS Global Competence Certificate.

Who Can Join?

Applicants must be 18 years old or older and currently based in the Philippines. The AFS GCED Connect is open to:

Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary across any subject

Requirements

  • Commitment to finish all 3 phases of the GCED Connect (Online Modules, Virtual FDS, GCED Impact Forum).
  • Access to a computer/tablet and reliable internet for virtual components.
  • A drive to apply GCED implementation strategies and tools in your school or community!
Event Primer

Fees & Registration

The registration fee includes access to the Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program (self-paced modules, facilitated dialogue sessions, and certification).
Non- AFS Partner School Rates:
Early Bird Rate (Until October 9, 2026): 70 USD
Standard Registration Fee: 80 USD
AFS Partner School Special Rates:
Early Bird Rate (Until October 9, 2026): 50 USD
Registration Fee: 60 USD
See if your school is an AFS Partner School here.
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Ready to join 2026 GCED Connect?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process and get started.

Step 1: Submit Pre-Application Form. Visit this link and fill out the official 2026 AFS GCED Connect Pre-Application Form. You may upload your valid School ID, Certificate of Employment, or endorsement letter signed by your school principal/head to avail of partner rates.

Step 2: Receive Statement of Account (SOA) Email. AFS Philippines reviews your application and sends a registration confirmation email containing a Google Form where registrants can upload their proof of payment. 

Step 3: Pay and Upload Proof of Payment. Settle the registration fee using the provided payment details in your Statement of Account, then upload your proof of payment via the Google Form link provided in your email. Please complete payment within three (3) days of submitting your pre-registration form to lock in your slot.

Step 4: Receive Payment Confirmation. Our team will verify the applicant’s payment and send a confirmation email within 24-48 hours, confirming their slot for the 2026 AFS GCED Connect. 

Step 5: Access Global Up Learning Platform. A separate final onboarding email will be sent containing the access details and instructions to start your Global Up Educators journey, starting with the 20 asynchronous online modules. 

Deadline of Pre-Application is on October 21, 2026.

Apply Now

  1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  2. Contact Our Team