Grade 5 TK students examined the concept of human rights and associated issues within their Unit of Inquiry (UOI) “Who We Are”. The UOI started off with a strong provocation (a process where educators stimulate students’ minds to come up with questions, ideas and actions) that saw our Principal, Mr. Paul Hoff putting on a remarkably professional performance.

On the first day of the unit, Grade 5 students were called to a sudden meeting in the gym. The meeting had been called by their principal who was about to announce critical changes to school policies. Changes that would impact their everyday lives in a dramatic way. The changes included restrictions on technology use for boys (but not girls); a requirement to “volunteer” to clean the school every third Saturday; no PE classes, and so on.

A deep silence filled the gym and Mr. Hoff left before anyone could voice their disagreement or opinion. Students were in an uproar over the unjust changes. They knew they could not let these things happen. No one had asked their opinion. This was so unfair. Soon, the students decided to take action. They talked to teachers, prepared posters, signed petitions and looked for ways to fight for their (student) rights! At the end of the day, students discovered that the “announcement” earlier in the day was part of their unit kick off and was designed to spur discussion and action. They were relieved that these changes would not really be implemented because facing the fear of losing them, they fully realised the importance of their own rights.

Actions speak louder than the words. Believing Mr. Hoff’s roleplay awakened the activist in each student and urged them to fight for their rights. It was a perfect segway into a unit about human rights and related issues!

Over the next few months, students learnt more about human rights violations. They examined and explored articles in the international news, followed particular topics of interest, and engaged in very interesting dinner table conversations with their parents. Most students were surprised to find out that human right violations don’t just occur in developing countries, but also in developed ones. They were shocked to hear about child labourers hand making soccer balls in Pakistan, India, Indonesia and China. The more they researched, the more interested and concerned they became.

As a part of their learning journey, Grade 5 students read Iqbal, a novel by Francesco D’Adamo, that tells the story of a Pakistani child slave, sold to a carpet factory. Iqbal is brave enough to change the destiny of other child slaves. This powerful narrative about courage, hope and the fight against injustice played an important role in students’ understanding of the dark realities of the world. They could relate to Iqbal and Fatima (another child slave at the carpet factory), fictional characters based on a true story.

To add to the learning experience, students participated in a Skype video conference session with former UN official Mr. John E. Lawrence, who worked in the human rights field for more than 20 years. Students were excited to be presented with an opportunity to ask questions of such an expert. They soon discovered Mr. Lawrence had an in-depth knowledge of the sensitive human rights issues people worldwide face, and were enlightened as they listened to his expert perspective. Mr. Lawrence, on the other hand, was delighted to see students’ interest in learning more about the complicated topic of human rights.

At the end of this UOI, students shared their learning with friends, teachers and parents at the end of unit learning celebration. Human rights topics of interest ranged from girls’ education to gender discrimination, from child labour to hazardous mining in Africa, and the plight of migrant workers involved in Qatar’s World Cup construction projects. They prepared poster boards with interesting visuals that effectively illustrated the topics and then presented confidently to the visitors without reading from their notes. Students were very knowledgeable on the topic and exhibited a passion for the topic.

Students exhibited leadership qualities during their end of unit celebration. Their passion and new-found knowledge educated parents and unit visitors about the extensive human rights breaches occurring on a global scale, and showcased how together, we, as global citizens all have a role to play in ending these practices and violations.

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