Submitted by Deanna Davies, Professor, School of Business
We recently celebrated the fifth annual Around the World Project - WAW 2025, a transformative experiential learning initiative that brought together post-secondary students from across the globe. This year, the project focused on raising awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on Inclusivity in Cities.
The event was a collaborative effort between St. Lawrence College’s Project Management (PM) program, Durham College, Binus University, INHolland University of Applied Sciences, and North-West University.
The initiative challenged students to apply their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities while working together across time zones. Teams from Canada, Indonesia, South Africa, and the Netherlands partnered to develop interactive games that educate others on the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in urban environments.
Team Canada, consisting of two talented SLC students and two outstanding students from Durham Region, worked alongside teams from the other participating institutions to create impactful and innovative solutions. The students demonstrated the power of agile project management, leadership, communication, and cultural intelligence in action.
"The WAW 2025 experience was exciting, frustrating, and everything in between—true collaboration at its best. We took an idea that started halfway across the world, shaped it here, and sent it back, proving the power of global teamwork. It was an incredible learning experience," said PM student, Kirk Smallridge.
It was incredibly inspiring to witness the students' dedication and collaboration, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such amazing faculty members from around the world. This project not only showcased the value of global teamwork but also provided students with a meaningful platform to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
"Taking part in the Work Around the World project was an incredibly enriching experience for both me and my teammates. Collaborating with culturally diverse yet like-minded individuals across different time zones and regions of the world was a rare and fulfilling opportunity. This experience reinforced how creativity has the power to connect people—no matter where they are in the world," said PM student, Ingrid Fadriquela.
This year’s event holds special meaning for me as it marks my last participation with the Project Management Program at St. Lawrence College. While it’s bittersweet, I am confident this won’t be the last time I collaborate with this incredible team, and I look forward to future projects that continue to foster such valuable partnerships.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in and supported WAW 2025—from the amazing faculty to the dedicated students, each of you made this experience unforgettable. Your contributions are truly appreciated, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of this initiative in the years to come.