Diary Chapters
Citizens - It's up to us
Wise Words
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
We are all in it
together!
EYE ON THE
PRIZE
The United Nations (UN) helps look after the citizens of the
world. In 2005, they started a ten-year program called the 'Decade
of Education for Sustainable Development' and developed a list of
'Millennium Development Goals' to improve health, education, living
conditions, food security, gender equity and environmental
sustainability for everyone.
In order to achieve these goals, we all need to get involved!
That's why the United Nations helps teach young people like you
what we can do to have enough for all. Learn more about it
here or watch this exciting video explaining the Millenium
Development Goals!
GOVERNMENT, HOW DOES IT WORK?
In Australia, everyone older than 18 years has his or her say on
who represents us in Parliament because we are a democracy. Our
Government is led by politicians who we elect to make decisions.
The Prime Minister is the leader of the Federal Government.
Then there are the State Governments, led by Premiers (or Chief
Ministers for the Territories) and local councils, led by Mayors
who look after our towns, cities and shires. Each level of
Government focuses on particular areas like defence, education and
telecommunications.
You can also find out more with this cool comic book produced by the
Australian Electoral Education Centre.
Who are your politicians?
Find out the names of your federal, state and local
representatives.
|
How to live the Earth Charter in your school:
❑ Read and discuss the Earth Charter with your teacher
❑ Watch this video to see the world
through a earth charter lense
❑ Make up your own words for the Earth Charter
❑ Share your story online at www.earthcharterinaction.org
South Australia has the cleanest energy in Australia with
renewable energy making up around 28% of all energy production!
That's a lot of wind, solar and geothermal energy!
Carrum Primary School, VIC
Carrum Primary are an amazing school and are so passionate
about the environment, they dedicate a whole semester to learning
about sustainability, and they truly are waste warriors! Each year
their efforts to reduce waste, recycle and teach others about the
same blows us away. Check out their amazing video
here!
What Australian celebrities do you know who are helping to
protect our environment and society? Which ones could you write
letters to about going green?
Email the Prime Minister and let them know what you would like
to improve. Make sure you give a solution to a problem.
A BURNING ISSUE
Dorjee Sun was so passionate about protecting orangutan habitat in
Indonesia, he started a program called 'Avoided Deforestation' that
encouraged farmers in Indonesia to protect the native forests and
reduce carbon dioxide emissions. He also made a documentary to
share his stories. Check it out at The Burning Season Movie and
see how you can take action at the Ourangutans very own website!
LEADING THE WAY
Passionate about helping the planet and people at the same time,
Wangari
Maathai was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace
Prize. Her organisation has planted over 51 million trees employing
many people in Kenya and reducing deforestation. Research other
eco-heroes and read their stories. What qualities do they all
share? Maybe you will join them.
Stuff to Check Out
I AM THE LORAX AND I SPEAK FOR THE TREES
Find out how a group of kids in the USA was inspired
by Dr Suess' story about the Lorax and helped people
make a difference for the environment. Check out
their story and how they got in touch with
the
moviemakers.
CRIKEY!
Steve Irwin will forever remain a hero for inspiring people all
around the world to care for our environment. He established an
organisation called 'Wildlife Warriors' to conserve land and
protect vulnerable species and his daughter Bindi now leads the
way. Wildlife Warrior volunteers are working with local people in
Australia, Asia and Africa to protect animals and their habitats.
Find
out how you can be a Wildlife Warrior!
DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS...
Kids can make a difference. There are a million stories of kids
who asked WHY? and WHY NOT?
Kids created some of the world's most amazing inventions. Do
some research and get inspired by groups like Green Kids
Now.
HOW TO BE A COOL CITIZEN
- Know what goes on in the world
- Look our for others and try to do something to help
- Write to your local politicians, telling them your opinion
- Be positive and have a go - that's how people change the
world
- Make use of the fantastic 'Taking it Global' website that connects you to
the movement of young people around the world making a
difference!
DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING
People talk about countries being 'developed' or 'developing'.
Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, defined
a developed country as 'one that allows all its citizens to enjoy a
free and healthy life in a safe environment'. Developing countries
are working toward this but face serious clean water, food, energy,
health and pollution challenges on the way. Australia and New
Zealand are among the developed countries but still have
massive problems in areas like Indigenous literacy. You can help
solve these by getting involved with groups like the Indigenous
Literacy Foundation. Click here for more
information!
THE GOLDEN RULES
We all need to treat each other with respect. The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed on 10 December 1948 and
contains 30 articles that explain our rights. In summary, everyone
on this planet has a right to:
- Freedom and equality
- Work and have a family
- Live and be safe
- Justice before the law
- Nationality, representation and education
- Think, believe and express yourself
You can find a more detailed description specially made for kids
on the Kids Encyclopedia by clicking here!
What other rights do you
think young people should have?
