Scotland's young people learn about global citizenship

A poverty and development textbook is helping young people across Scotland's schools and universities to learn about global citizenship.

A brand new edition of the education resource, "80:20 - Development in an unequal world", was launched by Catholic aid agency SCIAF at the University of Glasgow on Wednesday.

The book provides young people with a comprehensive introduction to many of the world’s major development, human rights and justice issues. The revised edition includes new chapters on women's rights, conflict and art.

Professor Brian Boyd of Strathclyde University has highly commended the book to teachers and learners alike.

He said: “If we really believe that enabling young people to be ‘responsible citizens’ is a fundamental aim of the curriculum, then this book, with its in-depth analysis of a whole range of issues affecting people across the world, should become an essential resource in the ‘learning classroom’.

“It is attractive, engaging, challenging and never simplistic or patronising and could allow schools to put global education at the heart of the curriculum. It is particularly useful as schools seek to engage learners in inter-disciplinary learning.”

Organisations involved in the launch include the Conforti Institute, the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Research and Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning, the Glasgow Centre for International Development, Oxfam and SCIAF.

SCIAF’s Head of Education and Communications Philippa Bonella said: “In additional to SCIAF’s international programme work in Africa, Asia and Latin America, we believe it is vital to tackle the underlying causes of global poverty and injustice. It is therefore critical that we invest in educating young people.

"Having an informed, civil society which is prepared to take action, challenge and persuade decision makers is crucially important if we are to create a more just world for all.

"I have no doubt that 80:20 will make a big impact on those who read and use it, and can help us deliver positive change in the future.”



"80:20 – Development in an unequal world", including the accompanying DVD, is priced at £17.50 with discounts available for bulk purchases. To place an order contact Isabel@scotdec.org.uk or call John Dornan on 01236 707907