What is development education?
Development education is an educational process aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live. It seeks to engage people in analysis, reflection and action for local and global citizenship and participation.
It is about supporting people in understanding, and in acting to transform the social, cultural, political and economic structures which affect their lives and the lives of others at personal, community, national and international levels.
Key features of development education
Development education is an active learning process which provides:
- A focus on knowledge, ideas and understanding of the causes and consequences of global poverty and development. Content should relate to the broad issue of global development and themes could include aid, trade, human rights, gender equality, governance, environmental sustainability, health and HIV/AIDS, education, culture, etc.
- A strong emphasis on learner-centred and action-based methodologies including group work, discussion, simulation exercises and debate.
- A focus on developing key communication, intellectual and action skills which allow the learner to engage critically with development issues.
- An emphasis on linking local and global justice and development issues.
