The Global Citizenship Project is a joint venture between the Faculty of Education of the University of Glasgow and the International Development Education Association of Scotland (IDEAS). It is a pilot project lasting three years and is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID).
Why are we doing this?
IDEAS and the University of Glasgow's Faculty of Education have developed this project in recognition of the growing importance of the role of global citizenship in Scottish education. This is highlighted by a number of initiatives including the National Priorities which cite citizenship; the Education for Citizenship in Scotland discussion and development document; the benchmark statements for Initial Teacher Education; the DFID strategy paper 'Building Support for Development' and the 'Global Dimension in the Curriculum' published by Learning and Teaching Scotland, Scottish Executive Education Department, IDEAS and DFID. Ensuring that these initiatives have a strong global dimension when implemented is a vital part of this project.
What is the Global Citizenship Project seeking to do?
The project aims to:
- establish a model for embedding education for global citizenship in Initial Teacher Education
- build global citizenship into the philosophy and practice of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses
- provide evidence of the effectiveness of this approach in developing global citizens
The project is already working closely with staff and students of the Faculty to bring about change to the courses within ITE and the participative structures of the Faculty. By experiencing the principles of global citizenship first hand it is hoped that students will be better prepared to enter teaching and prepare young people for the challenges of the 21st century. Partnerships with schools and other agencies such as local authorities are being actively encouraged and fostered throughout the project. Research is also an important element of the Project and this underpins the work carried out in the Faculty and beyond.
A film of the Life of Aristides de Sousa Mendes
An award-winning documentary to celebrate the deeds of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, Portuguese Consul-General to France in 1940 who saved the lives of thousands of Jews fleeing the Nazi holocaust by defying orders and issuing them with visas to enter Portugal via Spain. This documentary spearheaded a revival of interest in this remarkable man, leading to a national homage in Lisbon in 1995 finally recognising his work. The film will be followed by a talk given by Josephine Mernane who raised funds and organised the planting of 10,000 trees to honour the memory of the man who has come to be known as the "Angel of Bordeaux".