Global Citizenship Education


Guiding Principle 5: Acting in Solidarity

Working together on an equal footing to challenge injustice.


What is Acting in Solidarity?

In Global Citizenship Education, the concept of solidarity is key to fostering a sense of shared humanity and collective responsibility. Acting in solidarity means standing with others in their struggles, and striving together for justice, equity and sustainability. For educators, encouraging young people to act in solidarity goes beyond raising awareness of global issues; it involves cultivating a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to collective action.聽

This section will guide teachers in encouraging students to move from understanding to action, demonstrating how solidarity can be practised in everyday life and in response to global challenges. By fostering a culture of solidarity, educators can inspire students to become active, compassionate citizens who contribute to a more just and united world.

Before tackling any GCE topic, ask these two questions:

  1. Do our words and actions potentially reinforce inequality and injustice?
  2. Can we think of any examples (locally or globally) that show solidarity with those facing an injustice?

Acting in Solidarity can be challenging. We must remember to:

  • Seek out and listen to people directly affected by the issue.
  • Stand and work with people affected by global injustices, on an equal footing and with mutual respect, to transform unfair systems.
  • Work to address a power imbalance of dominant giver to grateful receiver that can perpetuate stereotypes.
  • Take action that shows solidarity with those who are affected by the issue in question, such as petitioning the government to improve conditions in direct provision centres after hearing from people who live there.

Resources


  • : Al Jazeera article on Boycott of Chinese made products in solidarity with Uyghurs. Look at other boycott movements such as BDS, Dunnes Stores strikers, Fossil Fuel divestment.

Activities


  • : This resource from Tr贸caire aims to build empathy and understanding of other people鈥檚 needs and challenges. The resource includes the lesson plan and role cards.
  • 鈥樷 from by Galway One World Centre, encourages critical thinking on migration narratives and stereotypes, explores the human rights dimension to the issue and considers the meaning of solidarity.
  • : This lesson from Children in Crossfire, helps students develop gratitude for others, respond to justice issues in solidarity with others and identify actions they can take as global citizens. The supporting worksheet for the lesson is included.

Videos


  • : The goal of Radi-Aid is to challenge the perceptions around issues of poverty and development, to change the way fundraising campaigns communicate and to break down dominating stereotypes.聽 The site has many humorous videos to help get conversations started.
  • : This 22-minute video is a documentary on a historic visit from the Palestinian National team to play against Bohemian FC in May 2024. The documentary captures the powerful emotions of the game itself as well as the receptions at 脕ras an Uachtar谩in and the Mansion House.