BCTF International Solidarity Program
| “International solidarity is not an act of charity. It is an act of unity between allies fighting on different terrains toward the same objectives. The foremost of these objectives is to aid the development of humanity to the highest level possible.” Samora Moises Machel (1933-1986)
first president of an independent Mozambique
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Education plays a central role in what Samora Machel called the development of humanity. The work BC teachers do together with teachers from other countries is a part of our contribution to that development.
Many individual teachers and students organize projects to support children, their education, and their teachers internationally. This web page is the story of some of those projects. It is also the story of international solidarity work carried out by the BCTF with teacher unions working toward improvements in public education in other countries.
The BCTF International Solidarity Program has provided substantial support for colleagues and their unions in Latin America and Southern Africa. Here are some messages from partners about the BCTF program. Also, in a short video, Stephen Lewis talks about the importance of the BCTF program.
Partners and participants comment on BCTF international solidarity .gif "PowerPoint icon")
Working with Partners
Teaching for Transformation, April 12-13, 2012, Vancouver, BC, Canada:
Teaching for Transformation: International Forum on Liberating Pedagogies, and Resistance to Neo-liberalism in Education - A seminar of the IDEA Network/Red-SEPA
BC teachers making a difference, globally
Teacher and student international projects have a positive impact, not just for those who are the recipients, but also for BC students and teachers. We often learn and receive as much benefit as those with whom we work.
Thanks to all who participated in the BC Teachers Making a Difference Globally: International Solidarity Workshop, held on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Information and handouts will be made available on the Making a Difference web page soon (link below).
On the “Making a difference globally” web page you can read about the work others have done. These stories about connecting may inspire more teachers and students to join in this work.
Visit this page for the chance to tell your own stories online, too.
The Global Classroom: Free global education teaching resources
BC teachers have created global education units that can fit into many subject areas and grade levels, and are tied to BC curriculum outcomes. These resources were developed with the financial support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the BCTF. They are free—just download and use them.
CHF, the Canadian Hunger Foundation, in partnership with CIDA, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association and the BCTF, has developed 10 new lessons in Global Education. These lessons have been designed by teachers and international development experts to promote a global perspective and understanding of natural disasters and disaster relief, and include integration of BC curriculum expectations at various levels. To access these materials, click on 'lessons' at www.chf-partners.ca/education or call 1-866-242-4243 ext.229. Students are invited to visit the interactive website at www.chf4youth.ca
BCTF International Solidarity Program, Fund, and Committee
The BCTF supports many projects with teacher unions in Latin America and Southern Africa. Find out more about the committee and these programs.
Get Involved! Opportunities for teachers to work on international projects
Find out about the many ways you can get involved with international projects. BCTF members offer workshops in Cuba and Peru on second language pedagogy and the BCTF funds Education Beyond Borders to assist BCTF member participation in these projects. From committees to projects to mailing lists, there is something for everyone who is interested in international work.
Support for human rights
The BCTF offers solidarity to teachers who are subject to human rights violations.
Partners
The most important partners are the teacher unions in the countries in which we work. However, BCTF international work also depends on other organizations with expertise and connections. BCTF programs have been carried out in conjunction with CoDevelopment Canada, Oxfam Canada, and others. Through these partnerships, some of the project funds from member fees receive matching grants from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).