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Solidarity Program and Partners
“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
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.
The BCTF is widely respected as a contributor to internationalism through its solidarity work with teachers and other teacher unions.
The international work of the BCTF has a history almost as long as the organization itself. In 1923, BCTF General Secretary Harry Charlesworth was a founder of an international organization devoted to achieving peace and co-operation in a world that had recently gone through a destructive war.
The international work continues today through BCTF’s International Solidarity Program, Committee, and Fund. BCTF funds from member dues support projects with teacher unions in less-developed countries.
Presentation: BCTF International Solidarity in Latin America (Representative Assembly, November 2015)
Teacher newsmagazine interview with Larry Kuehn on international solidarity
Teacher solidarity across borders is essential in response
to the impact of neo-liberal globalization
Solidarity partners
The BCTF works with many partner organizations internationally. These include Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other Canadian unions, plus regional organizations and teacher unions in Latin America and Southern Africa.
Canadian NGO and union partners
Regional groups that oppose neo-liberal education policies
Teacher-union partners in programs and activities