Guest blog by Nanda Shirke, language teacher, Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, Nova Scotia
Earlier this summer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, I participated in
Exploring Humanitarian Law educator training. This free session is sponsored by the Canadian Red Cross with support from Global Affairs Canada, and introduced us to an education program that’s designed to help students aged 13 to 18 learn about humanitarian action, international law and justice.
The fact that this resource is available in 19 languages makes it very user-friendly for teachers to use in our diverse classrooms. I can see the smiles on the faces of my newcomer students.
The guest speaker, Adeola Adebayo, a Halifax nurse, shared experiences from when he assisted in the Syrian refugee response efforts in Germany as a Canadian Red Cross aid worker. The morning with Adeola was an eye-opener. It brought into perspective how safe and comfortable our lives are in Canada.
While all the presenters made this training unforgettable, Roger Strum, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Judge Advocate General (Atlantic) provided invaluable input regarding armed conflict and Canada’s role regarding International Humanitarian Law.
I would recommend this training program for teachers working with middle and high school students. I feel like the training helps to prepare students to understand and empathize with newcomers to their school who have come from war-torn regions; at the same time, it makes us grateful for what we have in Canada.
Click here to learn more about upcoming teacher training and teacher resources.