We live in a world of extremes – extreme wealth, extreme climate and extreme inequality. Responding to these extremes can no longer be the sole preserve of academics, politicians and policymakers. Education has an important role to play.
The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education has developed a number of educational resources that can be used by teachers to incorporate themes of social justice, human rights and eco-justice into the classroom. These resources are regularly updated. Users are encouraged to use and distribute the work for non-commercial purposes (including educational purposes, research and study) as long as the work is unchanged and is attributed to the author of the material (such as ERC or another organisation).
The resources can be adapted to all year levels and curriculum areas. For more details head to the Centre's website or click to read about some of their resources below.
Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Education Activities Resource for Teachers
For many years the Edmund Rice Centre has been working to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum. The Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Education Activities Resource for Teachers Upper Primary-Senior Secondary (Updated 2022) is ERC’s publication, which converts years of their research and experience into curriculum support material that addresses the learning needs of students. This free 74 page Education Activities Resource offers 44 cross- curricular activities, which are practical, engaging and focused on increasing awareness about human rights and advocacy. The activities are adaptable to all year levels in secondary school and some can also be used with upper primary classes, students with special needs and they could also be used in community group discussions. Students are encouraged to think about refugees and people seeking asylum with compassion, to move their understanding from the head to the heart and then to some form of action. To download this Education Resource click here.
The Pyramid of Hate
This classroom exercise is designed to help educators teach students ages 14- 18 about the effects and consequences of bigotry and intolerance. The exercise integrates first-person video testimonies from the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s archive with the Pyramid of Hate, a curricular tool developed by the Anti-Defamation League that provides students with an opportunity to explore the ways in which hate can escalate in society. Through this exercise, students will explore their own attitudes about, and experiences with, prejudice and bigotry; examine the individual’s roles and responsibilities regarding ethnic, racial, and religious bias; and think critically about examples of prejudiced attitudes, acts of prejudice, discrimination, violence, and genocide.
Just Facts
Just Facts - Our Just Facts information sheets are a resource providing information about contemporary justice and human rights issues for classroom use. Read more and download here.
Just Speakers
Just Speakers - Speakers from ERC are available for local and interstate events, including presentations to student, teacher and parent groups. Read more and book a speaker here.
Just Comments
Just Comments - These two-page commentary on contemporary human rights issues are ideal for Year 11 and 12 students. Read more here.
