There is a global dimension to every impact of our lives. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the products we buy and what we watch on television link us to people, environments and communities both locally and globally.

Global Citizenship gives pupils the opportunity to learn about issues such as fairtrade, diversity and human rights. It provides them with an understanding of how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally, technologically and environmentally and encourages them to take responsibility for their actions.

We have suggested some simple steps to help pupils, parents, teachers and staff work together to become good citizens and raise awareness of important local and global issues.

Global Citizenship projects

Fairtrade Schools Scheme:

A Fairtrade School is a school that is committed to Fairtrade, sells and uses Fairtrade products where possible and raises awareness of Fairtrade in the school and local community.

Schools working towards the Fairtrade Schools Scheme need to complete five actions to achieve Fairtrade School Status.

Set up a Fairtrade School Steering group
Develop and adopt a whole school Fairtrade policy
Commit to selling, promoting and using Fairtrade products
Learn about Fairtrade issues as a whole school
Undertake 3 whole school Fairtrade activities per year (one per term) and do one thing to take Fairtrade into the wider community

For more information visit: fairtradeschools.net

DFID Global School Partnerships:

The DFID Global School Partnerships programme offers a range of advice and guidance, professional development opportunities and grants to schools that are using their partnerships to embed a global dimension in the curriculum.

The programme aims to raise young people’s awareness of development issues and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to become active global citizens.

For more information visit britishcouncil.org/globalschools to register online and receive a welcome pack full of resources and ideas to help develop your partnership.

Christian Aid Educational Resources:

Introduce the global dimension to your school day! Download or order easy-to-use assemblies, classroom activities and games to help students engage with world issues and reflect on their own role as global citizens.

Visit learn.christianaid.org.uk for more information.

Global Citizenship Support & Advice

For support and advice on global citizenship in the Caerphilly County Borough please contact:

Mirco Cordeiro, BME Young People Inclusion Officer, Valleys Race Equality Council
Tel: 01443 742704, email Mirco.cordeiro@valrec.org

Christian Aid
Tel: 02920 844646, email cardiff@christian-aid.org

Cyfanyd
Tel: 02920 668999, www cyfanfyd.org.uk

The British Council (Global Schools Partnerships)
Tel: 02920 397347, www britishcouncil.org/globalschools

Martha Musonza Holman, Fairtrade Schools Officer
Tel: 07879 400897, email Martha@lovezimbabwe.co.uk

Resource Boxes

Check out the resource boxes on the Sustainable Resources page to find out what resource boxes are available to support your school grounds projects in school.

Case Studies

Cwmaber Junior Goes Green Again! (PDF, 348Kb)
Fashion show showcases sustainable style (PDF, 474Kb)
St James Primary School Fun Day (PDF, 575Kb)
From Wales to South Africa 2009-10 (PDF, 974Kb)
Ysgol Y Lawnt - Green News (PDF, 781Kb)
Plasyfelin Primary School - ESD & GC and Endangered Species (PDF, 60Kb)
Bedwas Junior School - World’s Biggest Lesson (PDF, 103Kb)
St Gwladys Bargoed - Fairtrade Coffee Morning (PDF, 95Kb)
Penllwyn Primary School - Green flag achievements (PDF, 586Kb)

Top Tips to become good global citizens

Work to become a Fairtrade School
Make the most of your school community, encourage people to come and share their knowledge and lifestyles with the pupils
Use games from other countries in the playground or during rainy playtimes
Set up a Fairtrade tuck shop or hold a Fairtrade coffee morning
Calculate the food miles of a typical school meal or breakfast
Hold a multicultural day
Develop an international link with another school to share information
Incorporate global citizenship into a variety of curriculum subjects
Raise money for a particular charity, such as the Oxfam Goat Appeal or Children in Need Appeal.
Investigate art and music from different countries

Funding

The Global Citizenship Funding Information (PDF, 31Kb) document will provide you with details of grants, awards and offers available to support your ESDGC project.