AEC celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development

With this year's theme Building Trust in Science, Alternative Education Center celebrated World Science Day for Peace and Development on November 10, 2023. World Science Day highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the world in addressing scientific issues. The celebration undescores the significance of science in our daily lives. Scientific innovations, however, start with our trust in science.

Students at AEC discussed about local scientific innovations that helped develop Odessa. Many referenced the oil and gas production in the region that was made possible through science. Students discussed related careers to sustain Odessa's progress and skills needed to achieve them by playing Career and School Success Thumballs. They also played modified Owl Pal Truth cards to challenge their trust in science and perceptions about their abilities. They then used art therapy to demonstrate their future scientific contributions to maintain Odessa's peace and development. Students discussed how the activities helped promote wellness practices and the global goal of industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

AEC observes International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Alternative Education Center observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2-3, 2023. The observance raises awareness of the major challenges journalists face in exercising their profession and the role they play in society. This year's theme focuses on the violence against journalists, the integrity of elections, and the role of public leadership.

Students at AEC explored courses and degrees that may lead to becoming journalists, journalism career opportunities, and journalists' responsibilities. They read a local news article Grant helps counselors take a different approach at AEC that promotes community awareness of recent counseling activities at AEC. Local journalists help communicate to the community what AEC does for at-risk students in Odessa. They also help spread awareness of the recent district bond election that impacts the students of Odessa. Students at AEC did a coloring therapy activity with a journalism theme and discussed ways to help eliminate violence against journalists. Students then related journalist violence with similar violence faced by teenagers by playing a modified Teenage Violence card game. They discussed how the observance promotes wellness practices and the global goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions.

AEC celebrates World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

Alternative Education Center celebrated World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on October 27, 2023, with the theme “Your Window to the World.” The celebration is a commemoration of the adoption of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images in 1980 by the UN's 21st General Conference. It provides an avenue for people around the world to raise general awareness of the importance of audiovisual documents and to take urgent measures to preserve them. 

Students at the Alternative Education Center watched a video depicting Odessa, TX, heritage and culture. Students shared their own heritage, culture, and identity. They drew and explained their cultural strengths inherited from their families. They then played a counseling card game called Superhero Strengths, recognizing that real-life superheroes accept their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Students discussed how the celebration promotes wellness practices and the global goal of good health and well-being.