The following phrase from the piece we had to review really stoód out for me, ‘Trying to be the change we wish to see in the world is both accessible & powerful, no matter how big or small one feels their contribution is.” If we could get children to realise the power we all have to make a change in the world, how we are all connected through a common humanity, then this could have a real positive effect on how they see the world and possibly be a catalyst for small actions they can achieve themselves to make a difference. Development Education promotes global citizenship, the idea that we are all cut from the same cloth and teaches children to recognise this fact & how they can use their abilities & advantages to improve things for other people who are in less fortunate situations. It should promote happiness & well being in recognising our advantages, developing empathy for others & trying to find ways no matter how small we can make a difference. It develops a human conscience. I feel that all these values promoted by Development Education are badly needed in our society where the negative voices & opinions about refugees & asylum seekers have started to come to the fore. Often the messages received in the community or the home can be very negative towards situations developing in the world. Children need to be aware of the positive voices too and be empowered to challenge what they are hearing.
I think the resources for teaching about the 17 Development Goals could be a great place to start with children. Over the course of the year the goals could be looked at-what they mean, how they make us feel/think, how they are being put into action around the world and what simple things we can do. It could be carried out as a whole school project with different classes looking at different goals. Whole school actions could be identified & shared with the community to lead the way for change. I will definitely be sharing the resources shared in this module with staff in my school.