The latest Education Gazette magazine features our successful Beyond Disaster UNESCO International Youth Forum held in Christchurch in December 2011. Already action plans created at the forum are being worked on across the Asia Pacific region and future Beyond Disaster forums are to be held in other countries.
Asia Pacific youth create international disaster response network
In a world first, 100 young leaders from around the Asia Pacific region who have experienced natural disasters in their homelands met in Christchurch this week. They created the beginnings of a global youth network and strategy for disaster response and recovery: the first of its kind in the world.
Young Asia Pacific people looking beyond disaster and into the future
This weekend more than eighty young people from throughout Asia and the Pacific who have experienced natural disasters in their homelands will meet in Christchurch to develop a plan for the future of our region.
“ ‘Looking Beyond Disaster: UNESCO International Youth Forum’ will create an international network of young people across Asia and the the Pacific who will share experiences and exchange ideas about disaster and community,” said Elizabeth Rose, Secretary General of the NZ National Commission for UNESCO.
“There are some amazing young people taking part who have suffered and survived disaster and who are now committed to looking beyond disaster and into the future. Their stories and hopes are an inspiration to us all.”
Christchurch’s own Student Army Volunteers helped organise the forum that will see survivors and response workers share stories from throughout the Asia Pacific region that include the: 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; 2011 Queensland floods; 2009 Chilean earthquake as well as this year’s earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan.
UNESCO is indebted to the support of Ngai Tahu, who will be hosting a powhiri welcome for participants on Friday 9th December, at Rehua Marae from 9am. The southern tribe has also been at the forefront of the response to the Christchurch earthquake said Ms Rose.
Young people who have experienced natural disasters in the Asia Pacific region will meet in Christchurch for the "Looking Beyond Disaster: UNESCO Youth Forum".
They will share disaster experiences and develop realistic action plans to rebuild communities that meet the needs and aspirations of young people.
An initiative of the NZ National Commission for UNESCO in partnership with the Bangkok UNESCO Office and the UNESCO Office of the Pacific in Apia, "Looking Beyond Disaster's" planning committee is chaired by the Student Volunteer Army’s Sam Johnson and includes core members from Christchurch youth as well as other community and UNESCO stakeholders.
Venue: College House, 100 Waimairi Road, Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
For more information please contact:
Media contact: Christine Robertson, 027 506 3370 or
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Vicki Soanes (UNESCO)Email:
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or Telephone: 64 4 463 8626
Lorraine Mckeown (Student Volunteer Army)Email:
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Date: Friday 9th December -12th December 2011
International Literacy Day 2011
Thursday, 08 September 2011 12:37
The theme of this year’s International Literacy Day, celebrated world-wide on 8 September, is ‘Literacy for peace.’ Research conducted by UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics shows that 793 million adults – mainly girls and women – are unable to read or write. A further 67 million primary school aged children do not attend school and 72 million of secondary school age are unable to fulfill their right to an education. UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova has issued a message on the importance of literacy, noting that ‘Lasting peace is founded on respect for human rights and social justice. Literacy, the foundation of all education and lifelong learning, is one of these rights.’
In New Zealand, Hagley Adult Literacy Centre in Christchurch are marking International Literacy Day by presenting their learners with dictionaries, kindly donated by the Hamilton Altrusa Club. You can read more on their website.
APCEIU Asia-Pacific Youth Caravan
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO invites nominations for participation in the APCEIU Asia-Pacific Youth Caravan.
Recognizing the critical importance of empowering future leaders for the
promotion of Culture of Peace, the Asia Pacific Centre of Education for
International Understanding (APCEIU) presents a visiting programme for
tertiary students in the Asia-Pacific region. APCEIU will hold its 1st Asia-Pacific
Youth Caravan to integrate major themes of EIU including intercultural
understanding and diversity awareness into a nine-day visiting programme
exclusively for undergraduate and graduate students. It features a study visit
to UNESCO World Heritage site in Seoul and other places of interest such as
the DMZ. The programme is designed to amplify participants’ motivation,
confidence and competence so as to enable them to learn from one another
and to make best use of opportunities that arise through the newly-built
networks they will establish with fellow youth in the region.
Participants must be under the age of 28, fluent in English and
currently enrolled in a tertiary institution.
To be considered, please submit your completed application form to the New
Zealand National Commission for UNESCO before Wednesday the 27th of
July. Please note that only in-country expenses will be covered by APCEIU.
Christchurch's youngest leaders rebuilding the future
Youth Week 2011 will wrap up this weekend with an opportunity for some of Christchurch’s youngest leaders to discuss their vision for the future at the UNESCO Youth Voices Forum.
Some of the city’s adult leaders , including MPs and local body representatives, will participate in a round table discussion with the youth leaders says Vicki Soanes, from the NZ National Commission for UNESCO.
“The focus will be on how the earthquake has affected young people in Christchurch and how young people can help to rebuild their future,” said Ms Soanes.
“Not only do young people have the right to have a say after these kinds of events, they have a lot of energy and innovative ideas that will ensure a strong and resilient future. Over the recent challenging months, the young people of Christchurch have proven the value of seeking out youth voices, particularly relevant during the United Nations International Year of Youth.”
The Youth Voices Challenge is being held in conjunction with the WE SPEAK 2011, that is being run by the White Elephant Trust and Otautahi Youth Council.
Participants will outline their plans for involvement in the rebuild of Christchurch in a live stream at 2pm NZ time on Saturday 28 May 2011 at:
“We have found young people are articulate and environmentally savvy with visions for the future that includes all generations, all types of people and ethnicities,” says forum coordinator Tania Kurbatoff from Porcelain Ltd.
“This weekend we are opening the conversation between policy makers and young people.”
Ms Kurbatoff says young Christchurch people have a voice and they are prepared to use it.
“We saw that with the Student Volunteer Army, we are capable of having an opinion and putting that into action, getting our hands dirty and making positive changes in our community, we are thinking long term, for a sustainable future.”
“Young Christchurch people are looking beyond their own future to consider how disaster response and rebuild processes may act as a mode for communities suffering similar tragedies around the world.”
ENDS
UNESCO Christchurch Youth Voices Challenge
Date: Saturday 28 May 2011
Venue: CPIT Facilities in Madras St, Christchurch
Programme:
10am - Opens
Morning Sessions
12.30 – 1.30pm Lunch
Afternoon Sessions
2pm – Youth presentation
3pm - Roundtable discussion
4pm - Ends
Participants include:
Brendon Burns Labour MP
Ruth Dyson Labour MP
Lianne Dalziel Labour MP
Chrissie Williams CCC Councillor
Jim Anderton MP
Chris Mene DHB/ Community Board
Amy Adams National MP
Matthew Stephens Young Nationals
Emma McKenzie Young Nationals
Ben Dominikovich Young Nationals
Claire Waghorn Young Greens
Lynsey Talagi Young Greens
Youth representative sought for Education Sub-Commission
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to invite expressions of interest for a youth reprsentative to serve on the Education Sub Commision.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation works worldwide to improve education through technical advice, standard setting, innovative projects, capacity building and networking.
Appointed and funded by the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand National Commission represents UNESCO; manages relationships with key stakeholders; and coordinates advice to the organisation on future programmes. The National Commission works to promote UNESCO’s vision, goals and programmes within New Zealand and the Pacific.
The five Sub-Commissions focused upon UNESCO’s key programme areas provide advice to the National Commission. In recognition of the importance of youth participation, a youth representative is appointed to each Sub-Commission. Together, these representatives also constitute a Youth Bureau, which contributes a youth perspective to the work of the Commission.
Dr Edna Tait, Education Specialist, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, wishes to appoint a youth representative to the Education Sub-Commission.
The applicant should be aged between 18 and 25 and demonstrate:
·a strong commitment to the UNESCO ideals;
·knowledge and interest in the education sector, particularly as it pertains to the work of UNESCO;
·strong networks in the youth sector;
·an understanding of youth issues.
Please note this is an unpaid role, although associated expenses will be covered.
Please send the completed application form and CV before Monday 2nd May 2011 to:
Vicki Soanes
Education Programme Officer
New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
PO Box 1666
Wellington 6140
Email:
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For further information, please telephone (04) 463 8626
Wenhui (文 晖) Award for Educational Innovation 2011
Education for Learning to Live Together
Building peace in the minds of men and women
The Wenhui (文晖) Award for Educational Innovation, established by the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO and coordinated by UNESCO Bangkok, is seeking educational innovations in the Asia and Pacific region. The aim of the innovation should be to optimize the potential of education and the human innovative spirit by addressing and resolving pressing issues and problems facing our world today.
The theme of the 2011 Wenhui Award, Education for Learning to Live Together,is aimed at enhancing a culture of acceptance of differences, respect for diversity and promotion of peace and harmony through innovative education practices.
The NZ National Commission for UNESCO is pleased to invite the nomination of individuals or institutions that have designed and implemented significant educational innovation leading to improved access to and quality in education.
To qualify for nomination, the candidates shall possess the following qualifications or attributes:
Have demonstrated their ability to develop innovative practices that have enhanced educational contents, methodologies, skills and knowledge for learning to live together.
Have verified the positive impact of their contributions through education to increase the acceptance of differences, respect for diversity, promotion of peace and harmony.
Have proven their commitment in enhancing a culture of learning to live together amidst a diversified but increasingly interdependent world.
Have established that their innovative practices are current and relevant to the educational issues of the 21st century.
Young Kiwi film-makers from tiny rural communities right through to huge, urban suburbs took part in The Outlook for Someday Film Challenge 2010. The annual sustainable film challenge saw storytellers ranging in ages from 7 to 23 submit films that showcased a "diverse, energetic and passionate mix of ideas and viewpoints" related to sustainability. The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is a proud project partner for this year’s challenge. Twenty films were singled out for special honours at a ceremony while eight special awards were also announced. Entries for the film challenge came from all over New Zealand. They were made by individuals and teams from primary, intermediate and secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Front Row: Film makers - Karalisa Dantas, Allen Shih, Kevin Ng, Léah McVeagh
Back Row: Oliver Driver (MC) and UNESCO NZ National Commissioner, Paul Smith
They were assessed by judges from the worlds of media, education, government and business.Now in its fourth year, The Outlook for Someday challenge is to make a short sustainability-related film, any genre, filmed with any camera and any length up to 5 minutes. "We are getting an annual picture of how a generation is applying its creative energy to films about sustainability," said David Jacobs, Director of The Outlook for Someday. "Young people who have made Winning Films in previous years have this year come back to win Special Awards. It’s great to see how they are evolving as film-makers."
Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:37
asia pacific unesco director visits nz
The NZ National Commission for UNESCO hosted top UNESCO education official, Dr Gwang-Jo Kim in February. It was the first time Dr Kim had visited New Zealand since he was appointed Director of the UNESCO Office in Bangkok and Regional Bureau for Education in Asia and the Pacific, as well as UNESCO Representative to Thailand, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Singapore in 2009.
Dr Kim met with a wide range of senior government officials and was keen to find out more about New Zealand’s multi-lingual education (mother-tongue based pilots such as kohanga reo) and indigenous education experiences.
“New Zealand has set a good example of this with recognition and education in the native tongue spoken in this country. UNESCO would like to promote this kind of multi-lingual programme throughout the world,” said Dr Kim.
“Indigenous education experiences in New Zealand could be a perfect example for the remainder of the region. Issues that face many countries in the Asia Pacific region around the development of better, more effective approaches to indigenous education.”
Between 2001 and 2004, Dr Kim was affiliated with the World Bank as Senior Education Specialist at its Headquarters in Washington DC. During this time, he worked on education projects which included the preparation of lending schemes and delivery of technical assistance, as well as monitoring and evaluating human resources development projects on issues such as lifelong learning, on-the-job training, technical and vocational education, secondary and tertiary education, students’ loan programmes, and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. He was also involved in a “Lifelong Learning: Education for knowledge-based economy” analytical programme, initiated by the World Bank’s Human Development Network, Education (HDNED).
Born in 1955, Dr Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Korea University, Seoul (1978), as well as a Master’s degree (1984) and a PhD (1994) in Education from Harvard University, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Friday, 05 February 2010 12:03
The Pyepoudre Cultural and Education Centre was completely destroyed by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12th.. Local musician Lucien Johnson is behind a fundraising concert to help members of the centre community whose lives were shattered by the disaster.
“We have been totally crippled and need every help we can get. Three children have lost their parents and are in our care. We are doing our best to help all the people whose houses have been destroyed. At the moment we share what food, water and clothing we have,” reports Pyepoudre founder, Paula Claermont Pean from Port-au-Prince.
Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, Madame Pean established the centre 25-years ago.
Pyepoudre was a beacon of hope for young people from some of Port-au-Prince’s poorest shantytowns. As well as running workshops on performing, visual and cultural arts, Pyepoudre ran reading and writing classes, education programmes, a library and an internet centre.
Lucien worked at Pyepoudre in 2009 and says the collective of volunteer musicians, actors and artists worked extensively with local communities especially young people. Many volunteers were also social workers and teachers.
“The concert was a unique way we can help by providing urgent, direct relief that will give some a chance to rebuild their shattered lives,” he says.
Donations for Pypoudre continue to be collected by the Wellington branch of Alliance Francaise.
Haiti officials have confirmed that 170,000 lost their lives on January 12th, however thousands more are feared dead.
The conference was held in July and at its conclusion, delegates called on world governments to: increase investment in higher education; encourage diversity; and strengthen regional cooperation to serve societal needs. UNESCO Director-General, Koichiro Matsuura affirmed that the organisation would “continue to be a strong voice for education” . . “against a fast changing and complex landscape, we have defined future directions because we fundamentally share a common vision of higher education’s ethical and strategic responsibilities in today’s global society.” Two New Zealanders participated in this global forum, Frances Kelly (New Zealand’s Education Counsellor, currently based in Brussells) and Gail Gillon (Pro Vice Chancellor, Canterbury University/Te Whare Wananga O Waitaha.)
Diverse Projects Supported by UNESCO Contestable Fund
Human rights education in schools, climate change projects in colleges and an information technology festival on the remote East Cape are some of the innovative projects supported this year by the NZ National Commission for UNESCO’s Contestable Activity Fund or UCAF.
“Promoting peace and social justice in New Zealand and the Pacific through education, the sciences, culture and the free exchange of ideas is our organisation’s focus,” says chairman, Bryan Gould.
“We received a high standard of applications this year and were delighted to support a diverse range of projects.”
Successful projects funded were: Human Rights in Education Project with ASP Schools (Human Rights In Education Trust): $5000; Wellington Youth Climate Forum for secondary students ($4375); Te Rangitawaea ICT festival for East Cape residents (Ngati Porou Runanga): $5000; and the Kowiana annual conference for young, Korean Kiwis (Kowiana Association): $3000
“These inventive projects reflect UNESCO’s growing intersectoral focus by engaging with at least two of UNESCO’s key mandated areas - Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture and Communications and Information,” says Mr Gould.
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