You may well have come across the notion of 'Global Citizenship', but what does it mean? It is a term being used increasingly in educational circles, and consequently there are a variety of views about what it is. These range from the idea that everyone is a citizen of the globe to the standpoint that in a legal sense there is no such thing as a global citizen.
At Oxfam Education, we believe that Global Citizenship is more than the sum of its parts. It goes beyond simply knowing that we are citizens of the globe to an acknowledgement of our responsibilities both to each other and to the Earth itself. Global Citizenship is about understanding the need to tackle injustice and inequality, and having the desire and ability to work actively to do so. It is about valuing the Earth as precious and unique, and safeguarding the future for those coming after us. Global Citizenship is a way of thinking and behaving. It is an outlook on life, a belief that we can make a difference.
We see a Global Citizen as someone who:
is aware of the wider world and has a sense of their own role as a world citizen;
respects and values diversity;
has an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally;
is outraged by social injustice;
participates in and contributes to the community at a range of levels from local to global;
is willing to act to make the world a more sustainable place;
takes responsibility for their actions.
(Oxfam 1997)
This description of a Global Citizen is the ideal. It may feel like rather a tall order, but don't be put off! Everyone has the potential to be a Global Citizen if they wish to, and is somewhere along the path towards that goal. For those willing to take up the challenge, all you need is courage, commitment, and a sense of humour.
To create a world of Global Citizens, education must be a priority. Global Citizenship is not an additional subject - it is an ethos. It can best be implemented through a whole-school approach, involving everyone with a stake in educating children, from the children themselves to those with teaching and non-teaching roles in the school, parents, governors/school board members, and the wider community.
It can also be promoted in class through teaching the existing curriculum in a way that highlights aspects such as social justice, the appreciation of diversity and the importance of sustainable development.
In the wider school setting, Global Citizenship can be reflected in the way you relate to those around you: it is as much to do with how visitors are welcomed as it is about what and how teachers teach. This is because Global Citizenship in schools is based on the following principles.
The importance of reaffirming or developing a sense of identity and self-esteem.
Valuing all pupils and addressing inequality within and outside school.
Acknowledging the importance of relevant values, attitudes, and personal and social education.
Willingness to learn from the experiences of others around the world.
Relevance to young people's interests and needs.
Supporting and increasing young peoples' motivation to effect change.
A holistic approach to Global Citizenship - that it should be an ethos permeating all areas of school life.
(Oxfam 1997)
These principles apply throughout school life, across all subjects and within all age groups. We see them as the foundation on which education should be built: as a basic entitlement for all pupils.
