Schools’ Conferences
Global Citizenship Conferences
NEAD works with secondary schools to help them organise Global Citizenship Conferences. In the past these have been mainly for Sixth-Formers but we have also organised them for other age groups.
The format
The format of these varies but generally we suggest starting with a plenary session to explain the aims of the day, introduce facilitators and maybe run an ‘icebreaker’ activity, like Globingo. These are followed by workshop sessions (see below) of approximately 75 minutes each, and the day ends with a final plenary where students can ask questions, make action plans and evaluate the day.
If the main organiser, then NEAD charges for these events; or we can work with teachers to suggest ideas, likely workshop leaders and so on.
Workshops include:
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Timber
A role-play activity developed by NEAD. This workshop examines the implications of deforestation on local people, government, business and so on, and explores what it means for us and what we can do.
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International debt: who pays?
Again a NEAD role play activity to explain the crucial role that international debt and associated Structural Adjustment Policies have in maintaining global inequalities and poverty in our world.
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Tourism
Aiding development or destroying it? Another NEAD role play which looks at who benefits and who loses from the growing tourism industry. It also provides an opportunity for what we can do to make tourism more just, ethical and sustainable.
NB These three role play activities — Debt, Timber and Tourism, are available for free download from the Just Business website along with other resources.
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The Trading Game
This simple Christian Aid simulation activity shows how the global economy and globalisation can create or maintain inequality in our world, and enables participants to explore ways to work towards the establishment of a fairer trading world.
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Think Global Act Local
What is happening to our world? What are the things that concern you and what can you do about them? This workshop will help you to explore the causes and impacts of global issues that affect you.
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Shopping for a Better World
What are the implications of our purchases on the people and environments that produce them? This workshop will enable participants to reflect on their power and the opportunities they have to shape our world.
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Human Rights
This workshop examines and explains the issue of human rights abuses. It looks at what lessons can be learnt locally, nationally and globally, and explores ideas of what you can do practically to create a fairer and more humane society.
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Children’s Rights
This workshop uses the shocking experiences of street children to highlight the rights that all young people should have, wherever they live in the world, and thinks about how we can ensure that all young people have them.
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Ignore Racism? — No! — “Not in Norfolk”
Why is racism still a part of our society today? How does it affect people in Norfolk? This workshop is designed to help you answer these questions and develop ideas so that you can play a part in making racism a thing of the past.
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Refugees & Asylum Seekers: The Myths and Realities
This workshop examines a range of issues, myths and stereotypes about Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Do we get the full story? Why do people need to migrate (leaving behind homes and families)? What is life like for them when they get here?
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Norfolk, the first Muslim County in England — a possibility?
This is a chance to gain an understanding of the Islamic stance on trade, war, banking, sex, and other issues, as well as some of the reasons why the media portray Islam and Muslims the way they do.
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Music as Protest
A creative workshop which will allow you to react to some of Samia Malik’s Urdu and English songs, and give you the opportunity to compose your own songs on issues you feel strongly about.
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Capoeira
This is a combination of Martial Arts & Dance. It was developed by the slaves in Brazil, when Brazil was a Portuguese colony. This is an opportunity for you to learn some basic Capoeira moves and to understand its cultural and historical significance.
These are just a few of the workshops you could include in a secondary school conference. Some are run by NEAD staff, others by NEAD contacts. Some other ideas you could integrate into a conference can be found in the descriptions of sessions given on the individual pages of our World Voices contacts. Search for a World Voice according to any topics or themes you have in mind.
For more information about secondary school conferences or for any further information on NEAD’s schools’ work, contact Sandy Betlem.
