Because I am a Girl Campaign

December 13, 2013christinadoyle Leave a comment

http://plan-international.org/girls/index.php?lang=en

As I have decided to focus my Thesis on women in leadership roles in education I have been researching a lot online about the subject of gender and education, female education and women in education. It was through this research this morning that I came across the website for Plan International’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ Campaign and I felt it was necessary to share what this campaign is about. The campaign began on the 11th October 2012, coinciding with the first International Day of the Girl Child. I think this issue would be an excellent topic to bring into the Religious Education classroom. It is an issue which is relevant in the world today and it will give the students the opportunity to realise how lucky they are to be sitting at their desk soaking in the education they are both entitled to and allowed to receive.

Some facts to consider:

1 in 5 girls worldwide is denied an education.
Forced into arrange marriages at a very young age.
Experience severe violence and abuse.

According to the website this campaign by Plan International seeks a number of changes in order to improve the lives of girls around the world.

girls’ education to be prioritised by world leaders
girls’ completion of a quality secondary education to be a major focus of international action
funding for girls education to be increased
an end to child marriage
an end to gender-based violence in and around schools
girls and boys to participate in decision making and inspire those with power to take action

http://plan-international.org/girls/plans-goals.php?lang=en

Plan International’s goals are not solely about changes but also numbers.

Reaching 4 million girls directly.
Reaching 40 million girls and boys through improving gender equality.
Reaching 400 million girls through policy change.

http://plan-international.org/girls/plans-goals.php?lang=en

Some statistics to think about

Useful video clips for the classroom

Useful Links

http://plan-international.org/girls/index.php?lang=en

http://plan-international.org/girls/plans-goals.php?lang=en

http://plan-international.org/girls/why-girls.php?lang=en

http://plan-international.org/girls/about-the-campaign/our-work.php?lang=en

http://plan-international.org/girls/stories-and-videos/all-videos.php?lang=en

http://plan-international.org/girls/day-of-the-girl.php?lang=en

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/oct/10/five-ways-teach-girls-rights

Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela 10/12/13

December 10, 2013christinadoyle Leave a comment

Today a memorial service was held for Nelson Mandela in the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The service saw tens of thousands of people turning out in celebration of the life of the former first black president of South Africa who died last Thursday (5/12/13) at the age of 95 years old. Those in attendance included many political figures such as US President Barack Obama, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore. However Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore was not the only Irish representative there as U2’s frontman Bono was also spotted in the crowd along with a host of other high profile famous faces all wishing to pay tribute to the legendary figure.

Below is a link to the BBC website which provides an excellent collection of pictures from the memorial service highlighting just how many hearts and minds the thoughts, action and wisdom of Nelson Mandela touched during his lifetime.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-25313600

Below are video clips showing US President Barack Obama and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaking at the memorial cermony.

The funeral of Nelson Mandela will take place on Sunday 15th of December 2013.

Rest in Peace.

Nelson Mandela 18th July 1918 – 5th December 2013

December 10, 2013christinadoyle 2 Comments

Thursday the 5th of December 2013 will be remembered in the years to come as the day the world lost a truly heroic and inspirational figure. Through his endeavours, trials and triumphs, Nelson Mandela changed the course of not only the history of South Africa but also the world doing so almost always with a smile on his face, a dream in his heart and unwavering determination. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed and the legacy that he leaves behind.

Below is the official statement which was released by The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and The Nelson Mandela Rhodes Foundation:

“5th December 2013

It is with the deepest regret that we have learned of the passing of our founder, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela – Madiba. The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa will shortly make further official announcements.

We want to express our sadness at this time. No words can adequately describe this enormous loss to our nation and to the world.

We give thanks for his life, his leadership, his devotion to humanity and humanitarian causes. We salute our friend, colleague and comrade and thank him for his sacrifices for our freedom. The three charitable organisations that he created dedicate ourselves to continue promoting his extraordinary legacy.” Hamba Kahle Madiba

It is essential as educators of Religious Education and History that we strive to do all that we can to teach our students about the importance of who Nelson Mandela was, what he did, why he did it and the changes and results that came from his actions. Our students are not the only ones who can take inspiration from the life, thoughts and actions of Nelson Mandela as we too as educators can look to him as a source of guidance, motivation and inspiration for the journey of our vocation.

Below is a selection of pictures, quotes, video clips and website links that are all incredibly useful for the classroom whether you are teaching students about Nelson Mandela as a moral model or as a historical humanitarian and political figure or if you as an educator need some advice about the path you have chosen into the world of education.

PICTURES