Conducting the SDG Exhibition was both a challenging and rewarding experience. It was enjoyable to share knowledge about the SDGs, particularly with individuals who had little to no awareness of these global issues. Educating others about SDG 2, which focuses on Zero Hunger, was a meaningful task, though initially, it was difficult to connect literature with this goal. However, our group successfully related SDG 2 to our poem, demonstrating how literature can be a powerful medium to highlight social issues. This experience reinforced the idea that creative and innovative teaching approaches, such as integrating literature with real-world issues, can be highly effective in education.

  The responses from visitors to our booth varied significantly. Some were indifferent and uninterested in engaging with the exhibition. However, we managed to attract their attention through interactive activities, including a treasure hunt and a crossword puzzle related to SDG 2. Offering small prizes to participants further motivated them to engage with our content. Additionally, we provided a donation box, with all proceeds going directly to the United Nations Organization, allowing visitors to contribute in a meaningful way. Despite some initial reluctance, we also encountered individuals genuinely interested in the SDG goals, who engaged with our materials beyond just participating in games. Their enthusiasm reaffirmed the importance of raising awareness through such exhibitions.

  When assessing visitors’ prior knowledge about the SDGs, the disparity was evident. While some individuals were well-informed and could even explain aspects of SDG 2 in detail, the majority either had limited knowledge or were completely unfamiliar with the initiative. This demonstrated the need for more outreach and education about the SDGs, particularly in integrating them into the education system. Many attendees expressed that they had not encountered discussions about SDGs in-depth before, which further highlighted the necessity of exhibitions like ours.

  The intersection of literature and SDGs is an underexplored but promising avenue in education. Literature provides narratives that humanize global issues, making abstract concepts more relatable and emotionally compelling. For example, storytelling can illustrate the struggles of food insecurity, allowing students to connect with SDG 2 on a deeper level. Poetry, novels, and short stories can serve as tools to foster empathy and critical thinking about social issues. However, educators must go beyond mere thematic connections such as interactive discussions, creative writing exercises, and comparative analyses between literary works and real-world scenarios could enhance students’ engagement and understanding. If literature is to be effectively used to educate students about SDGs, it needs to be framed as a medium for activism and change, rather than just another academic subject.

  To better prepare pre-service teachers for integrating SDGs into the curriculum, the B.ED TESL program should adopt a more hands-on and interdisciplinary approach. Courses should include practical training on designing lesson plans that incorporate SDG-related themes creatively. Workshops on using literature as a tool for social advocacy could be beneficial, equipping future educators with strategies to link texts to real-world issues. Additionally, collaboration with NGOs or field projects related to SDGs could offer real-life teaching experiences. Instead of treating SDGs as a supplementary topic, they should be embedded into core teaching methodologies, ensuring that future educators can seamlessly integrate them into their classrooms. By making SDG education a fundamental part of teacher training, the TESL program can empower educators to foster socially conscious and globally aware students.