ruMAD? resources
Wondering how to get your students prepared for thinking about a MAD Project?
Teachers often find that it is useful to get students 'tuned-in' to social justice issues.
Below are some videos and websites that might motivate, prompt discussion and encourage students to undertake further research.
These are followed by websites designed specifically for young people on the environment and animal rights as these are common issues of concern for MAD Projects.
More websites (not necessarily designed for young people) can be found on our global issues webpages.
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Videos: It Takes a Child: [Video available from the Centre's Resource Library] This inspirational video of the circumstances that led Craig Keilburger to set up Free the Children (which now has over 10,000 members in 20 countries - see below) is available from the Centre's Resource Library. The video tells the story of how the 12 year old's life changed forever after reading about the murder of a Pakistani carpet worker his own age. Ryan's Well: [Video available from the Centre's Resource Library] Anther inspiring video about a boy, 7 year old Ryan Hreljac from Ontario who was determined to build a well for his pen pal Jimmy and the people in Angola, Uganda so they would have fresh, clean water. His modest $70, earned mainly from his extra household duties and chores, grew in time to over $750,000.00 largely through the contributions of many individuals and organizations committed to Ryans cause. Reminding us that water is a precious life giving commodity we often take for granted, this documentary is a powerful illustration of the 'power of one'. Websites: Free the Children: Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger this website aims to free young people from the idea that they are powerless to bring about positive social change, and encourages them to act now to improve the lives of young people everywhere. Ryan's Well Foundation: At the age of six Ryan Hreljac learned that without access to clean water people become ill and sometimes even die. He set out to raise $70 towards building a well in Africa. After reaching his goal, Ryan continued to work and organise. Ryan’s Well Foundation continues Ryan’s inspirational work. World on Fire: A short home produced music video clip by Canadian singer/songwriter, Sarah McLachlan and details of how the money that would have been sent on production was spent on various projects around the world. Demonstrates the wastefulness of so much consumption in western countries in the face of poverty around the world. There is a biography of Sarah on her main website at Sarah McLachlan. |
| Youth action Websites: A visit to any or all of the following websites will give students a youthful perspective on social justice and global issues. They will help to show that there are thousands of students worldwide who want to take action and make a difference in their local and global communities. To quote Taking IT Global’s logo, these sites “Inspire, Inform, Involve”. Facing the Future: People and the Planet offers action and service learning opportunities for classrooms and individuals, from quick ideas to long-term projects. Cooop America: Responsible Shopper reports on global research and campaign information regarding the impact of major corporations on human rights, social justice, environmental sustainability and more. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity student site gives information on Australian and overseas human rights issues and ideas for action. Co-op America: Programs aims to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable and gives information and encourages action on a range of global issues. |
| Environment Websites: At the Earth Day Network find out how much of the planet it takes to support your lifestyle by calculating your ecological footprint. The I Buy different site encourages students to examine how their purchases affect the environment. Take the environment challenge (Tasmanian). The Threatened Species Network site provides information about Australia’s endangered species and gives ideas for action. Journey to Forever is a pioneering expedition by a small, mobile NGO involved in environment and rural development work. |
| Animal Rights DVD: Farm Animals & Us in Australia: by Compassion in World Farming Trust [DVD available from the Centre's Resource Library] This educational video, booklet, and downloadable teacher's pack provides small group discussion and opinion-forming exercises covering farm animal welfare issues. A thought-provoking and empathy-raising video, guaranteed to promote interest in and stimulate discussion about farm animal welfare. Pigs operate computers and rescue a drowning child; chickens learn from watching TV; Salford teenagers role-play the lives of intensively reared broiler chickens. Intensive and free-range farming systems are compared – the viewer is left to make a choice. (Teacher review) Websites: Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania Voiceless and the Animal Club (Australia) Animals Australia (Australia) Compassionate
Kidz (Australia) Informs children about the plight of animals
without exposing them to the horrendous details.
People for the Ethical Trearment of Animals (USA) American Humane (USA) The
Meatrix is a humorous 4-minute Flash animation that spoofs
The Matrix films while drawing attention to the reality of factory
farming. (USA)
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