Here are some suggestions to consider.
Organizations mentioned are for illustration.
Become better informed about the issues
Below are some websites specifically for young people
Follow up references and resources in the global lesson.
Tag or search “global poverty” on the community theme
website
Inform yourself, and discuss the issues and your views with
others.
Volunteer your time for organisations eradicating poverty
Support campaigns
Support campaigns to put pressure on world leaders to implement the Millennium Development Goals, which include
eradication of poverty. For example:
The United Nations
Millennium Campaign supports and inspires people from around the world to take action in support
of the Millennium Development Goals. It is coordinating worldwide efforts to hold governments to account
for their promises to help end poverty.
Avaaz
– world in action – “ is a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close
the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want.”
The Global Campaign for Education promotes
education as a basic human right.
Write a letter to someone in power about your concerns about poverty.
Connect with other people who care.
Shop ethically – check the source and background of goods and services you buy
Buy Fair Trade goods
For a description of Fair Trade and details of Fair Trade organizations see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_trade
.Web search for local organizations.
Lend money through microfinance organisations
Microfinance makes tiny loans to small business people and entrepreneurs trying to earn their way out of poverty.
Click here for factsheet.
Search “microfinance” on the community theme
website. Micro finance organisations include: Grameen Foundation , KIVA
Donate money to / raise funds for organizations working to eradicate poverty
e.g. Action
Aid, Islamic Relief,
Oxfam International,
UNICEF, WorldVision
Some websites for students to explore poverty (and related global issues) and to do
something
Find out about life for children in different countries, about your food, and about the work of international charity Oxfam
to help poor communities make improvements to their lives. Also suggestions for action. From Oxfam GB (in English). For PYP
/ MYP students.
Oxfam Hong Kong’s interactive website where you can explore a number of important global issues, including poverty. In
English and Chinese.
"Do what you love doing - just change
the world while you're doing it."
Issues, Do something, Have your say – on this site for high school students from Oxfam UK (in English).
How rich are you compared with the world’s population as a whole? Check out where your income – pocket money or from a
part-time job – places you personally on the global rich list (in English).
Find out about the eight Millennium Development Goals that all countries in the world have agreed to improve things
for the poorest people on the planet.
There are also updates on how the world is doing in trying to meet its goals. Website is part of the UN
Cyberschoolbus, and is in Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese and English.
Join the fight against poverty. Know the issues, Be inspired, Act now –on this US website from NetAid - an initiative of
Mercy Corps (in English).
Be informed (YouTube videos), Communicate (with others in “the Blender”),Act.
Youth initiative (for high school students) from World Vision Australia (in English).
Explore, Speak out, Take action – the three sections of this website from the United Nations organisation for children,
UNICEF (in English, French, Spanish, Arabic).
Explora, Opina, Actúa – UNICEF (Espanõl).
Explore, Exprime-Toi, Il faut agir – UNICEF (Français).
Unicef UK’s website for young people to find out more and take action (in English).
Excellent interactive website from the Netherlands on the Millennium Development Goals (in English and Dutch).
