Three international charities – Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Oxfam – have joined forces to launch Global Neighbours.
From this August, the accreditation scheme is open to all primary schools in Scotland with three levels to work towards – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Resources will support the work schools are already doing to build pupils’ knowledge and skills and encourage the kinds of values which will help young people play their part in a global society.
Emma Gardner, Education & Youth Coordinator from Christian Aid said the organisations believe everyone deserves dignity, respect and to experience life in all its fullness. She explained: “We believe children have an innate sense of social justice and strong concern for the Earth, our common home. Global Neighbours encourages pupils to explore how decisions and actions impact on them and on the wider society.”
Global Neighbours aims to help students understand more about the inequalities in different communities, and help them to become courageous advocates for change and a fairer world.
Keri Reid from Muthil Primary, one of the schools involved in the pilot of the scheme, said: “Global Neighbours offers a framework for schools to explore, strengthen and confirm their potential to respond to injustice. The scheme is about gaining a deeper understanding of global issues and how we can all play a part in creating a more just world, helping schools to inspire their pupils to make a difference in a challenging world.
“Global Neighbours accreditation will showcase the wonderful work teachers are doing to support pupils’ development as courageous advocates.”
Initially established in England, with more than 1,600 schools so far signed up, the scheme has been revamped for the Scottish curriculum and education context. Working through the bronze, silver and gold levels, the programme provides a progressive set of criteria closely linked to the global citizenship education strand of Learning for Sustainability. On completing each level, schools pay for independent assessors to visit, who look for evidence across five areas: school leadership, teaching and learning; collective worship and spiritual development; pupil participation; and community engagement.
The first 20 schools to apply will receive their first assessment for free. To find out more please visit Global Neighbours Scotland – Christian Aid or contact Emma Gardner at Christian Aid via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
