Development Education
Development Education is about exploring development issues through participatory learning approaches with the aim of changing attitudes and promoting positive changes in society locally and globally.
There are eight key concepts of development education:
- Interdependence
Understanding how people, places, environments and economies are all inextricably interrelated and that events have repercussions on a global scale.
- Citizenship and Stewardship
Getting the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to become informed, active, responsible global citizens.
- Diversity
Understanding and respecting differences, relating these to our common humanity and developing strategies to deal with it creatively.
- Sustainable Development
Understanding the need to maintain and improve the quality of life now, without damaging the planet for future generations.
- Social Justice
Understanding the importance of social justice as an element in sustainable development, the economy and the welfare of all people.
- Values and Perceptions
Developing a critical evaluation of images of different regions of the world and an appreciation of the effect these have on people's attitudes and values.
- Human Rights
Knowing about Human Rights and understanding their breadth, universality, and status as part of Irish and International law.
- Conflict Resolution
Understanding the nature of conflicts, their impact on development, why there is a need for their resolution, and how conflicts might be resolved.
Visit Developmenteducation.ie for more ideas and information on development education.
Comhlámh and Education
Comhlámh organises forums, workshops, weekend and night courses on a variety of development-related topics, depending on members’ interests and demands. Courses cover areas such as:
- Development education issues/skills
- Options and issues in global development work (for those considering getting involved in overseas development work)
- Anti-racism training
- Trade and globalisation
- Media skills
- Evaluation and planning
In addition to holding forums and conferences throughout Ireland, Comhlámh is also involved in the organisation of in-service courses in development education for primary teachers. Keep an eye on the website or receive e-Link (Comhlámh’s email newsletter). For further details on upcoming events and training, or to book a place on a particular course or workshop, please contact the Comhlámh office.
Comhlámh Publications
Comhlámh produces Index - the Irish Newsletter for Development Education Exchange. Index is a free newsletter that supports those interested in educating about development and justice issues.
Download the April 2009 issue of Index focusing on Educating for a Just Economic System here
In this issue:
- The Great Recession, by Patrick Marin
- Downturn deals double blow to charities, by Hans Zomer
- What price do immigrants have to pay? by Mbemba Jabbi
- INDEX Links: Dev Ed courses & events
- EU News & International Dates
- Profiles: Community Powerdown and Transition Towns & Tax Justice Campaign
- Dev Ed news, funding, & resources
- Resource Review: ‘Together we Play, Learn and Understand’, by Paula Galvin
Download the January 2009 edition of Index focusing on Debating Gender here
- In this issue:
- Why Gender Equality is at the core of Development & Justice
- Language Politics
- Culture & Gender
- Profile: Irish Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence
- Profile: Nepali Sportswomen
- Review: Banulacht's Economic Literacy Course
To download previous editions of Index click here