SCIAF’s resources on social justice issues
SCIAF is the relief and development agency of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, working across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to support some of the world’s poorest people. Here in Scotland our development education programme gives adults as well as school-aged children the opportunity to learn, pray for and act on global injustices.
Our education resources look at global issues such as poverty, food insecurity, gender inequality, climate change, human rights and more.
One of our most popular downloadable resources is the ‘Day in the life’ series. The series includes videos and photos from young people around the world sharing their daily life. It’s a great way for a class or youth group to see the similarities in terms of the daily routine; getting up, going to school, doing homework and helping with family chores. But, of course it also highlights some the differences in terms of location and opportunities available to young people.
Find the ‘Day in the life’ series on Padlet here: SCIAF Padlet Day in the life
Another resource which is a popular download is our Emergency Response resource. There are lesson plans and activities for both Primary and Secondary which look at SCIAF’s response during an international crisis. There is a focus on how Church Teachings inform SCIAF’s emergency interventions and how as Christians we’re called to respond in a crisis. The animation within this resource which looks at how we support refugee communities is a particularly thought-provoking watch: Refugee Animation: Faith in Action
Find the full resource on SCIAF’s website here: Emergency Response Resource
It can be difficult for teachers or youth group leaders when discussing global injustices within the classroom or a group. It’s important to remember that the world we live in is rapidly changing and none of us has all the answers. We can strive to provide transformative learning which facilitates critical thinking on global injustices, which is one way to support young people on their journey for a just world. Here are a few tips which might be useful:
Preparation: Watch the videos yourself and read any teachers’ notes we provide. Think about the types of questions the young people may ask and how you will respond.
Promote critical and creative thinking: Encourage pupils to think critically about stereotypes, prejudices, and unfairness they may encounter. Challenge negative stereotypes and biases through structured discussion about how attitudes and behaviours could be changed locally and globally.
Perspective taking: Encourage the young people to think about what it would be like to be in others’ shoes – living in extreme poverty, not being treated fairly or not having any support. Promote empathy by helping them to understand different perspectives and experiences of the world.
Inspire action: Empower young people to take action. You can discuss how even small actions can make a big change in working towards a more peaceful and fairer world; whether that’s through acts of kindness, standing up for others, or supporting charities like SCIAF.
Raising awareness of global injustices is incredibly important, but it’s not the end of the story it’s just the beginning. Putting learning into action is the next crucial step in development education, but it’s also what we are called to do because of our faith. Our actions, guided by an informed conscience, using the skills of discernment and critical thinking, can lead to the changes we want to see in the world.
Find out more about putting faith into action by campaigning with SCIAF here: Campaign with SCIAF
We have lots of development education resources for schools and parishes, covering various global issues, on our website. We also provide prayer guides and reflections for during Lent, and Advent linked to our work. Find all of our resources here: Resources | SCIAF
If you would like more information about how you or your parish group can support SCIAF on our mission for a just world, please get in touch with us getinvolved@sciaf.org.uk
(Elaine McGinlay, Development Education Officer at SCIAF)