ISA – International Schools Association
The United Nations International Day of Families is observed annually on May 15th to raise awareness about the importance of families in society and to promote issues related to family well being. The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and reflects the significance the international community places on families as fundamental units of society.
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Ultimately, the goal of this event is to foster empathy, understanding, and shared values among students across cultures by celebrating the family — in all its forms — and encouraging students to reflect on how families contribute to global well-being.
The United Nations International Day of Families is observed annually on May 15th to raise awareness about the importance of families in society and to promote issues related to family well being. The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and reflects the significance the international community places on families as fundamental units of society.
Themes:
Each year, the International Day of Families focuses on a specific theme, such as:
• Family and Climate Action: Exploring the role of families in environmental sustainability.
• Digital Technologies and Families: Addressing the impact of technology on family interactions and dynamics.
• Work-Family Balance: Promoting policies that allow families to thrive in modern economies.
Celebrations:
The day is observed through various activities:
This observance is an opportunity to reflect on how families contribute to social development and to promote measures that strengthen families in diverse contexts.
Global Survey : “What Affects My Family?”
Purpose: To understand the key factors impacting families around the world, as part of the observance of the United Nations International Day of Families.
Deadline: 13th May 2025
(Survey responses will be shared with ISA member schools on 15th May 2025. School may then proceed with post-survey reflections).
– Cempaka International School, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia seek the cooperation of all ISA member schools to share the “What Affects My Family?” Survey with their students and school community and have the survey completed by 13th May 2025.
– The survey is designed for international respondents. It can be used with parents, students, and both working or non-working adults to gather insights into the social, economic, and demographic challenges families face globally.
Survey link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pHEpqexb6CrmFIFCkgOggjOnUT5iqA_Sr-EwUljsjRg/ preview
The survey will be published from 2nd May 2025 for data collection. Deadline: 13th May 2025
Family Bonding Initiatives
Purpose:
Family Bonding Initiatives: Activity List
Family Bonding Initiatives: Description of Activities
Description: This is a creative activity where students record short video interviews with their family members to capture their thoughts, routines, and values related to a specific theme (e.g., impact of technology on family life, work-family balance, sustainability habits, or how their family stays connected).
This project promotes empathy, digital literacy, communication skills, and family bonding. ◦ Students gather data by observing and interviewing family members.
Interview questions are available from this link here: (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQzXsiwBZz1RWFPXfk2a5GylwdBOUuRM8Db6nk-BbXw/edit? tab=t.0 )
◦ Use simple voice recorders (even phone apps) to create audio files, edited into a short podcast or storytelling segment (3–10 mins) entitled: “Voices from My Home” and email the podcast to nikzakiah@cempaka.edu.my
◦ These personal stories can be compiled into a class presentation, digital storytelling project, or school exhibition and can be shared over school announcements, newsletters, or class websites.
Description: Students bring a traditional family dish to class to share and explain its significance. ◦ Students prepare dishes at home with family and write a short description of its history or relevance.
◦ A tasting event is organised in school/classrooms where students present their dishes. ◦ To include a small quiz or discussion about the dishes and cultures.
◦ Record this experience in a 2 – 3 minutes video and email the video to nikzakiah@cempaka.edu.my
◦ Alternatively, create a Photo Essay entitled “One Table, Many Stories” showcasing photos around family mealtime or traditions and email the photos to nikzakiah@cempaka.edu.my .
◦ Suggestion for further activities: Students compile a digital or printed cookbook of family recipes that use local, seasonal, or plant-based ingredients and share the cookbook.
Description: Students observe, analyze and reflect on the amount and quality of time their family spends together, while identifying factors that influence family-work balance.
◦ Copy the prepared worksheet/Observation Protocol, entitled the Family Time Analysis & Report, to track family activities for a week from this link here (https:// docs.google.com/document/d/ 1wsDAf0ecgIA2OfbWivdA3oYPYylJvyYoS8knixmeAPg/edit?tab=t.0 )
◦ Edit the copied document to collect data. Students gather data by observing and interviewing family members.
◦ Identify challenges and propose ways to improve balance (e.g., device-free family time, flexible work hours).
◦ Students compile their findings into reports, infographics or digital slides and email them to nikzakiah@cempaka.edu.my .
◦ In school, students may present them in class or during a school assembly.
4. Family Activity Fair
Description: Students organize a fair showcasing fun, low-cost family activities that promote quality time.
◦ Students brainstorm family-friendly activities (e.g., board games, DIY crafts, or outdoor games) and identify a suitable date for this from 13th – 15th May 2025. ◦ Set up booths demonstrating these activities and include guides or kits for families to take home.
◦ Invite families to participate in the fair on the chosen date. Take photographs and short videos of the event.
◦ Collect feedback on which activities participants (parents, students, guests) enjoyed most.
◦ Record this experience in a 2 – 4 minutes video and email the video to nikzakiah@cempaka.edu.my
Choose a unifying global theme aligned with the UN’s annual focus or from the following: • Technology and Family Life
Schools can focus on one theme or allow students to choose.
Students must not share personal family details that could compromise privacy or security. Obtain signed media release forms if videos/photos are used publicly.
At least some idea of Human Rights across the world and a little bit of rhetorical/persuasive devices (not essential like the prior research).
Confirm interest by filling the following form