Champions
Michael Furdyk
In order to transform violence into conflict resolution, young people must have input on issues that concern them. As we each talk and learn about the origins and consequences of violence, we become better equipped to resist and prevent it in our own lives.
Background
Canadian Michael Furdyk was named one of the world's '20 teens who will change the world'. He started TakingITGlobal.org, a global online community of hundreds of thousands of young people in over 200 countries and territories, who are working towards positive change. Michael also speaks to educators about engaging students and integrating technology and global perspectives into the classroom.
Do you have a sense of the feelings young people have about social change and social issues?
I'm always inspired by the discussions on the TakingITGlobal.org site. The big issues are HIV AIDS, reproductive health and climate change. We've published action guides on the site to help people understand what they can do in their community and to encourage small steps. If they start small and get engaged gradually, it leads to more sustained involvement.
Can young people really make a difference just by talking?
The biggest challenge we face in terms of conflict in the world comes from ignorance and a lack of understanding. Once you start to get to know people it makes a lot of difference. By making connections and understanding each other better at a young age, we'll create a more sensitive, engaged citizenship that will hopefully result in better decisions. Maybe then we won't have the kinds of conflicts that we have today - because people will be more aware of each other and how someone in Iraq or Afghanistan isn't really that different.
On your website you talk about moral courage. What does this mean?
We are all human. Sometimes standing up for what's right is scary. We might lose friends, popularity, and even family. But when is making such a sacrifice necessary? Courage isn't the absence of fear. Courage is the recognition that some things are more important than fear!
Does having freedom of expression mean we are obligated to speak out?
Freedom of expression is a privilege and we often don't realise how many of the things we take for granted are privileges that many people don't have. By making people aware of the whole global picture they are more appreciative of their own rights and freedoms. We're doing a lot of work this year around the 60th anniversary of the declaration of human rights... to get people to appreciate those things a bit more.
Do you have any thoughts on how teachers can help develop moral courage and enable student voice?
The best thing teachers can do is keep showcasing the positive stories and positive examples - the models and case studies of students who are doing great things. It really helps young people believe that it's possible to do something good even though they're bombarded with so many negative messages in the media.
What do you see as the challenges for teachers in doing this kind of work with their students?
Fitting this work in with the curriculum is a challenge because of a disconnect between the things that we're testing and the actual things that are important for 21st century living and learning. Also the whole idea of social responsibility, critical thinking, problem solving, team dynamics and being able to operate effectively - those aren't things we prioritise well. That's a challenge.
How can schools help students use information technologies in socially responsible ways?
Obviously there's some great progress being made in training for teachers around using IT. Schools need to show they value those teachers that are being most effective and support them to effectively pass on their practices to everyone else. It's also important to support new teachers, making sure they are strong enough because they'll have to deal with negativity from others who are scared of changing things. I have a few friends who are teachers and they are facing a lot of challenges bringing new ideas into their schools.
What about the challenges posed to teachers by the speed and development of new information technologies?
I don't think teachers are intimidated by what's going on, but perhaps because the students know more than they do. I think that's an opportunity to embrace the idea that maybe students can do some of the work for them. Teachers can then just facilitate, which is really the most important role for the teacher to have - not delivering the content but facilitating their students' engagement with the information.
More information:
TakingITGlobal.org is an online community that connects youth to find inspiration, access information, get involved, and take action in their local and global communities.
www.takingitglobal.org
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