World Citizenship
A citizen of a country is someone who 'belongs' to a country. For example, someone who
is born in Great Britain and has lived there all their life is a British Citizen.
We all live on the same world. (Planet Earth.) Therefore we can all be said to be
citizens of Earth. However, a true Earth citizen can be said to:
- be aware of the world outside their own country
- have a sense of their role as a citizen of the world
- respects differences in cultures and values
- be willing to act to help make the world a better place
- take responsibility for their own actions
While many people in the world enjoy a better life than ever before, many others (both
in the UK and overseas) face life without enough to eat, a home, freedom from violence, a way of earning
a living or a say in their future.
A quarter of the world's population currently lives in absolute poverty. Thousands of children die every
day because they are so poor. Many millions of children do not attend primary school. Over a billion people
don't have safe water or sanitation. Even in Britain a significant minority of children live in relative
poverty.
Many schools are already promoting world or global citizenship. On a personal level you
can try to:
- Increase your knowledge about global issues such as social justice and regional conflict
- Develop a respect for people of different countries and cultures
- Develop a concern for the environment
- Develop your empathy for other and sense of common humanity
- Develop your skills of co-operation and conflict resolution
- Encouage your own school to promote the values of world citizenship
Oxfam have produced an invaluable 'Curriculum
for Global Citizenship'. If your school isn't aware of
it then tell them about it.
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