Look for human implications of world economics
 Understanding the implications of fair trade Today, globalization, technology and the media connect us to people in developing countries more than ever before. They can unexpectedly impact our daily lives; even simply calling a consumer product help line can connect us to people on the other side of the globe.
Students may learn about concepts like “fair trade” and “ethical investments,” but do they understand the human impact of economic growth in the developing world? Case studies help make the connection.
The Global Voices column written by Craig and Marc Kielburger provides insights and perspectives not often included in hard news stories. The weekly columns that appear in both the Toronto Star and Vancouver Sun examine current issues affecting the developing world and raise questions about how the Western world is responding.
Classroom activities for both elementary and secondary students are available to support current events discussions. Currently, more than a thousand educators receive The Global Voices email blast every Monday morning.
In the past eight months, more than ten columns provided interesting economics case studies for your classroom. http://www.thestar.com/News/globalvoices/archive
Check out:
- Indian teen’s nuptials bear hidden costs (April 14, 2008)
- Islam-based bank shares risk, profits (March 17, 2008)
- Ecotourism tries to ensure local population will reap its benefits (January 28, 2008)
- How the Iraq war’s $2 trillion cost to U.S. could have been spent (January 21, 2008)
- Children in China pay price for our cheap toys (December 17, 2007)
- Firms could do more on child labour (November 5, 2007)
- Indian state a model for development (November 19, 2007)
- Asian investment has done little to boost Africa’s fortunes (September, 2007)
In addition to the existing classroom discussion questions, teachers can choose to randomly assign one of the columns listed above to small groups. Students can review the column, summarize the content and report on how economic decisions based on their case study can break the cycles of poverty within the developing world. It also helps students understand the impact of their participation in the Adopt a Village program.
Nurture active global citizens in small ways every day.
Catherine McCauley, M.Ed.
Director of Teacher Development
Free The Children
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Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network. |
