Appologies for the lack of post over the last couple of days, as I have been in New York attending the Foreign Policy Associations New York Democracy Forum and the 2007 World Leadership Forum.
I had hoped to ask the H.E. Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile, a question regarding her views on children's rights, but unfortunately despite my efforts I was unable to get my question in. Regardless it was a sheer pleasure to hear such a dynamic female leader speak so candidly, and it was also a great joy for me to have the opportunity hear Mary Robinson, the introductory speaker, speak again. While the speakers at the World Leadership Forum didn't discuss topics specifically related to children, it was a great event and I highly recommend that you look into attending next years forum.
While at the event's I engaged in a lively conversation with a number of proactive teachers, who are working tirelessly to ensure their students truly receive a global education. The teachers ranged from elementary to high school teachers, all of the teachers I spoke with had unique approaches to teaching about the global world. However one thing stood out to me…it wasn't the norm. Well of course I know times have changed a great deal since my schoolgirl days, nonetheless it made me question was there students intrigue in issues such as child soldiers, human trafficking, global development, international politics, etc., any different than other students across America, or across the globe. The truth is they are no different than another child or adolescent, but they are being given the information in which to make their own informed decisions as to the key topics which are truly shaping there futures.
Therefore as I mentioned in my previous post, What Do Children Think?, I am working to include the voices of children of all ages into this blog, and I hope to set this as a weekly feature in the near future. Please stay tuned, and leave me your comments or suggestions as to how you would like to see a feature with children's views develop.
Thanks for your patience!
Cassandra