Global Citizenship Education Teacher's Resource Book Intergrated Science Primary Four and Primary Five

Abstract

Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is a target for Goal 4 of the education 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and the post 2015 educational goals of the Incheon declaration which states "To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all". GCED is specifically contained in target 4.7: ensuring that by 2030, all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others: through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture's contribution to sustainable development. Global citizenship refers to a sense of belonging to a broader community and common humanity for peaceful and sustainable world. Global Citizenship Education is an educational option that aims at equipping learners of all ages with knowledge, skills and values that reflect and instil; respect for human rights, social justice, diversity, gender equality and environmental sustainability and empower them to be responsible global citizens. The specific aims of Global Citizenship Education include to: Develop an understanding of global governance structures; Recognise and appreciate difference and multiple identities; Develop and apply critical thinking for civic literacy; Recognise and examine beliefs and values; Develop attitudes of care and empathy for others and the environment; Develop values of fairness and social justice; Participate in and contribute to contemporary global issues at local, national and global levels. It is a civic learning that involves learners' active participation in projects that address global issues of social, political, economic and environmental nature. It is a lifelong learning perspective beginning from early childhood through all levels of education into adulthood requiring both formal and informal approaches, curricular and co-curricular intervention and conventional and non-conventional pathways to participation. It is a concept that goes beyond the study of specific issues inserted in a single subject within the context of compulsory school curricula. It also goes beyond regular school programmes carried outside the classrooms. It is a way of understanding, acting and relating oneself to others and the environment; based on universal values, through respect for diversity and pluralism. Many countries have already embraced Global Citizenship Education and therefore, Uganda as a country is embracing GCED.