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These challenges call for far-reaching changes in how we think and act for the dignity of fellow human beings. It is not enough for education to produce individuals who can read, write and count. Education must be transformative and bring shared values to life. It must cultivate an active care for the world and for those with whom we share it. Education must also be relevant in answering the big questions of the day. Technological solutions, political regulation or financial instruments alone cannot achieve sustainable development. It requires transforming the way people think and act. Education must fully assume its central role in helping people to forge more just, peaceful, tolerant and inclusive societies. It must give people the understanding, skills and values they need to cooperate in resolving the interconnected challenges of the 21st century.

 

 

BARRIERS TO GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP:

 

Legacy of the current education system:

Schools have traditionally prepared people to pass exams, proceed to the next level and graduate into the workplace. We now face the much greater challenge of raising global citizens. Promoting respect and responsibility across cultures, countries and regions has not been at the centre of education.

 

Outmoded curricula and learning materials:

Reviews from around the world find that today’s curricula and textbooks often reinforce stereotypes, exacerbate social divisions, and foster fear and resentment of other groups or nationalities. Rarely are curricula developed through a participatory process that embraces excluded and marginalized groups.

 

Lack of teacher capacity:

Broad teacher development reforms are needed to ensure the uptake of new citizenship skills. If we want to transform the way students learn, we must also help teachers expand their own skills and outlooks. Are they comfortable with a curriculum that dwells explicitly on global citizenship? Can they teach traditional subjects in ways that exemplify non-discrimination and positive support to the disadvantaged?  

 

Inadequate focus on values:

The values of peace, human rights, respect, cultural diversity and justice are often not embodied in the ethos of schools. Instead of empowering students to learn and thrive, schools often replicate social inequalities and reinforce social pathologies by tolerating bullying and gender-based violence and subjecting children to physical and psychological punishment. 

 

Lack of leadership on Global Citizenship:

To create a generation that values the common good, we must understand how young people see the world today—and our schools must find ways to foster a broader vision. Goals and targets should be set around 21st century skills and regularly assessed to measure progress.

 

To learn more about the UN Global Education First Initiative.  

 

 

 

THE WORLD FACES GLOBAL CHALLENGES, WHICH REQUIRE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS.  

A GLOBAL EDUCATED STUDENT CAN

Investigate the World 

Recognize Perspectives

Communicate Ideas

Take Action

GLOBAL EDUCATION

 

Global education emphasises the unity and interdependence of human society, developing a sense of self and appreciation of cultural diversity, affirmation of social justice and human rights, as well as building peace and actions for a sustainable future in different times and places.

Global education promotes positive values and assists students to take responsibility for their actions and to see themselves as global citizens who can contribute to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.

 

SUBJECT AREAS OF GLOBAL EDUCATION

 

Economic Systems

Political Systems

Belief Systems

Human Rights and Social Justice/ Human Needs and Quality of Life

Planet Management

Population

Race and Ethnicity

Technology

Sustainable Development

Conflict and it's Controls

 

FROM GREATER PHILADELPHIA GLOBAL EDUCATION NETWORK

 

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