History
Global Link was set up in April 1993, initially as part of Lancaster & District YMCA, as a resource centre for development education materials. Global Link has steadily increased its range of activities, evolving into a comprehensive Development Education Centre - one of six development education centres in the Northwest of England - and a member of the Development Education Association, offering a wide range of development education services. In December 2000, we became an independent charity. Global Link is also a member of the North West Global Education Network.
Our Work
Global Link operates a library of resources on global issues for teachers and the wider public, and runs exhibitions, workshops and training, and other projects relating to development education and anti-racism both locally and nationally.
Development Education
Development Education (often abbreviated to DE or Dev Ed) enables people to understand the links between their own lives and those of people throughout the world. Development Education increases understanding of the economic, social, political and environmental forces which shape our lives. Development Education develops the skills, attitudes and values which enable people to work together to work towards achieving a more just and sustainable world in which power and resources are more equitably shared.
Global Citizenship
There are several more commonly used terms relating to Development Education. Development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Development Education Centres often use the term "global citizenship" or "global education". Oxfam, for example, describe a global citizen as someone who:
- Is aware of the wider world has a sense of their own role as a world citizen;
- Respects and values diversity;
- Is willing to act to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place;
- Takes responsibility for their actions.
Oxfam have developed a curriculum for global citizenship which shows clear progression from Foundation Stage to the Sixth Form, and which is explicit about skills, values and attitudes as well as knowledge needed to address injustice in the world. See oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet.
The Global Dimension
In 2000 the DfEE (now DfES) launched a document called Developing a global dimension in the school curriculum which is useful for showing subject teachers how the global dimension can be included in their subjects areas. For further information on embedding the global dimension across the curriculum go to globaldimension.org.uk.
Underlying the notion of a global dimension to the curriculum are eight key concepts. These underpin many curriculum areas. They are:
- Global Citizenship: gaining the knowledge skills and understanding of concepts and institutions necessary to become informed, active, responsible citizens.
- Conflict Resolution: understanding the nature of conflicts, their impact on development and why there is a need for their resolution and the promotion of harmony.
- Values and Perceptions: developing a critical evaluation of representations of global issues and an appreciation of the effect these have on people's attitudes and values.
- Sustainable Development: understanding the need to maintain and improve the quality of life now without damaging the planet for future generations.
- Interdependence: understanding how people, places, economies and environments are all inextricably interrelated, and that choices and events have repercussions on a global scale.
- Human Rights: knowing about human rights including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Diversity: understanding and respecting differences and relating these to our common humanity.
Structure
Global Link is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Global Link is managed by a voluntary management committee and employs permanent staff members, as well as occasional short-term staff. Global Link is further supported by the invaluable contributions of volunteers.
