From Dhaka to Dundee – learning from the past, acting for the future.
April 2008 – March 2011.
This project came from an idea initiated by an Open University student, originally from Bangladesh, who was living and working in Dundee. A pilot CPD was held at Verdant Works in March 2007, and the project was developed from there. Funding from the Department for International Development was awarded to the One World Centre to manage the project. There is funding of up to 30 days of teacher time @ £180 per day to develop this.
To increase knowledge and understanding among teachers and pupils in Dundee of the major economic and social issues facing Bangladesh, and to empower action for change.
Objectives:
To use the historical links of the jute trade between Dundee and Bangladesh as a focus for exploring issues of social justice, particularly as regards the clothing trade and climate change
To develop and deliver two-part CPD for teachers around the above themes
To develop thematic approaches and learning intentions based on teachers’ learning (e.g. to extend the topics ‘Victorian Society in Scotland’, ‘India’ and ‘Global Citizen – A Fair World’) in order to increase young people’s understanding of the interdependence between Dundee and Bangladesh.
To produce case studies of a selection of schools’ work on this project, with examples of how it has enhanced learning and teaching about global issues and attitudes to development. Both the above would be made available to schools outwith Dundee through the Verdant Works museum.
To explore a possible educational partnership between some Dundee schools and some in Bangladesh or India.
Thematic approaches identified to extend teaching around the topical issues of the clothing trade and climate change
Increased global citizenship activities in schools around fair trade/trade justice and climate change
Case studies of how learning about Dundee’s past has changed attitudes to development in other parts of the world today
Learning outcomes
Increased knowledge and understanding among teachers and pupils of the causes of poverty in Victorian Britain and large parts of the world today, specifically Bangladesh and India, and how these can be tackled
Increased knowledge and understanding among teachers and pupils of the parallels between the textile industry today in Bangladesh and the jute industry in Dundee in Victorian times
Increased knowledge and understanding among teachers and pupils of how poverty and other global issues, such as climate change, are interlinked
Key skills relevant to the new curriculum developed such as critical thinking, ability to argue effectively and challenge injustice
Increased confidence among teachers and pupils to discuss global issues
Increased confidence among teachers and pupils that individual action can lead to positive global change
More teachers seeing the relevance of global citizenship in the curriculum, and seeking development education resources and support.
A "Spider diagram" is available to view (PDF format) here.
For further information and/or an informal discussion (without commitment!) please contact Sally Romilly on 01382 454603 or email sally@oneworldcentredundee.org.uk
Picture courtesy of Traidcraft