Social Justice Causes in Education

I am interested in Humanitarian work. I am a hugely compassionate person and see myself settling down sometime in the future in a place far away that is simple and doing something to help the respective community. Right now though, I am a recent graduate teacher. Primary teacher at that. And I am looking for a job. Ah the dreaded applications. They, for some reason, look perfectly acceptable and well structured intially until you look at them at a later date and realise, what was I thinking, they are not as good as I thought. Always learning I guess.

So what brings me to this blog is the intention to write down thoughts on the teaching of social justice in education. What, would I say then, based on my experiences in Kenya, do I want to teach my students at school about the world? And specifically, social justice?

I just read a chapter in a book about percieved gender differences in education. It was infuriating. Maybe it's just my mood. But frankly, here we are as educators, and there's a million and one things we have to think about. Then someone comes along and is critical of the child-centred approach, which is widely spread. Ah, just want to throw it in their face. But I suppose the chapter is not without its valuable contribution. All these things are important for improvement and awareness in our field. But I hardly think I need to be criticised on my approach when our country promotes equality between the sexes. What I'm trying to say is that someone is telling us off about something when there is so much we're already trying to get right. A softer and more custioned approach may have been better.

Anyway, it brings me to the point of social justice in education. I applied for a job recently and wrote about my interest in the social justice causes promoted at the school (listed on their website). I thought the mention would be well received - showed I had an interest in the school and revealed part of my personality compatible with their vision. Never heard anything back from them though (not even a rejection letter) and the school have now re-advertised. Slammed! I figure it wasn't well received - came across too strong?

So how do I factor in my interest for humanitarian causes when teaching. In the chapter I just read, it said many educators don't bring up political and social issues at school until children are older and have presumably 'lost' their innocence. But I think starting to talk about certain issues with young kids is important for broadening their perspective on life and developing compassion for others. For example, in the tv show, 'World's Strictest Parents', adolescents with percieved behaviour problems are sent to live with another family in a different part of the world. Often the family they stay with does some kind of community or volunteer work which they partake in as well. From these experiences, the adolescents often begin to look at the world through new eyes and develop a sense of social responsibility. It's really good to watch and I think doing community work and increasing awareness about social issues in young children can contribute to their sense of self worth and give meaning to their lives. It's also helpful for other people and promotes interconnectedness with the local and wider community.