What skills and knowledge will it take to go from learning about the world to making a difference in the world? First, it takes seeing oneself as capable of making a difference. Globally competent students see themselves as players, not bystanders. They’re keenly able to recognize opportunities from targeted human rights advocacy to creating the next out-of-the-box, must-have business product we didn’t know we needed. Alone or with others, ethically and creatively, globally competent students can envision and weigh options for action based on evidence and insight; they can assess their potential impact, taking into account varied perspectives and potential consequences for others; and they show courage to act and reflect on their actions.
“We can choose the path of sustainable development” – open letter to world leaders – Action 2015.
Speaking of making a difference by taking action, I had the privilege of writing the teacher notes for Deborah Hart, author and herself a climate campaigner, brings together twelve passionate Australian activists from all walks of life. Willing to deal with fall-out served up by the government, the courts and the media, these advocates inspire us to follow their lead.
Taking action in 2015
Geneva, Tuesday 31 March 2015
What is REDD+?
REDD+ stands for countries’ efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. Continue reading
Thursdays are my day for sharing with my 3 year old grandson. Rafi loves to criss cross the city on a bus or a train, entertaining and proving to me that learning can be enormous fun.
Our outing to the National Gallery of Victoria became a partnership between director and producer. At the OPEN HOUSE Tromarama for Kids, we discovered a bath tub of props and a number of iPads set up for movie making.
Rafi took his position, I moved his choice of subject and he shot enough frames to launch his movie career. We experimented with a duck and a Babushka doll, both movies of which are now lying on the cutting room floor.
Take a look at Rafi’s first movie (don’t blink) and get along to the gallery for some creative film making. Who knows, you and Rafi might be the next stop animation star film producers.
With all due respect to the dancing dolls in Anaheim, it really isn’t a small world. It is a complex, multifaceted, diverse, and complicated world. Continue reading
A principal of a state primary school in Melbourne mentioned the one or two parents in his school community who were throwing up barriers at any opportunity, to ‘dissuade’ the school from going down a technology pathway for learners. Continue reading
Please don’t collect, donate or send items to Nepal. Continue reading
On one walk this week I came across these trees. The first two photos showed a love and respect for trees and their importance in the lives of the families living nearby. Continue reading
The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves is a public-private partnership that seeks to save lives, improve livelihoods, empower women, and protect the environment by creating a thriving global market for clean and efficient household cooking solutions. Continue reading
Philosopher, Martha Nussbaum asks, “What makes some societies not only more tolerant of religious and cultural diversity than others, but able to foster respect for difference as a consequence of their understanding of civic freedom?” Continue reading