What is Development Education

 Development Education, is sometimes referred to as Global Education. There are many definitions. Below are just a few of them:

"… 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"- Irish Aid (2003)

"Development Education is about increasing people's awareness and understanding of global issues and of the interdependence of different countries and parts of the world in relation to those issues. In particular, it is about what sustains under-development and what is needed to reach and sustain more equal development. It is an education based on reflection, analysis and action at local and global level." - Dóchas

"DEA promotes education for a just and sustainable world. DEA believes that education should put learning in a global context, fostering:
•    critical and creative thinking;
•    self-awareness and open-mindedness towards difference;
•    understanding of global issues and power relationships; and
•    optimism and action for a better world.
This means changing both what people learn and also how they learn. DEA works to influence policy and improve educators' practice." - DEA (formerly Development Education Association), www.dea.org.uk
 

There are eight key concepts of development education and in Comhlámh we try to recognise them in our working practice:

1. Interdependence
   Understanding how people, places, environments and economies are all inextricably interrelated and that events have repercussions on a global scale.
2. Citizenship and Stewardship
   Getting the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to become informed, active, responsible global citizens.
3. Diversity
   Understanding and respecting differences, relating these to our common humanity and developing strategies to deal with it creatively.
4. Sustainable Development
   Understanding the need to maintain and improve the quality of life now, without damaging the planet for future generations.
5. Social Justice
   Understanding the importance of social justice as an element in sustainable development, the economy and the welfare of all people.
6. Values and Perceptions
   Developing a critical evaluation of images of different regions of the world and an appreciation of the effect these have on people's attitudes and values.
7. Human Rights
   Knowing about Human Rights and understanding their breadth, universality, and status as part of Irish and International law.
8. Conflict Resolution
   Understanding the nature of conflict. their impact on development and why there is a need for their resolution and the promotion of harmony.

Reference: Produced by Comhlámh, based on the Sustainable Development Education Panel (1998), 'First Annual Report' , (17th June 2005).