Rugged Moon and Global Citizenship

Rugged Moon is passionate about finding resources to help teachers and caregivers guide children along the pathway to becoming Global Citizens. In essence Global Citizenship is about adapting to the rapid globalisation of our society. It is about skilling students in:

• Intercultural communications
• Languages (including English)
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Knowledge of multicultural and global perspectives and emerging issues
• Inclusive and respectful attitudes towards others

Rugged Moon wanted to expand this concept, so that it didn’t just encompass respectful attitudes towards others, but included respectful attitudes towards ourselves (caring about our bodies in terms of nutrition and fitness). In addition to this Rugged Moon also wanted to nurture a respect for our environment. With this broader concept the Global Citizen concept is incorporated into the Rugged Moon Club.

Australia is a multi-cultural society with citizens from over two hundred nations, speaking over 180 languages and dialects and following more than 116 religions. Approximately 15 percent of students in Victoria speak a language other than English at home. Over recent years there has been a rapid globalisation of our society and economy.

Individuals who are global citizens will have a competitive edge in the workforce. The more global citizens who enter the workforce, the greater Australia’s national advantage will be. But, global citizenship is not just about personal gain or gain for the economy, there is an intrinsic value in being a global citizen, in that student’s will have respect for themselves and their local and global environment.

Students who are global citizens will make a positive contribution to local and global communities. Through respect for similarities and differences they will promote social cohesion. Global and multicultural citizenship education has an important to play in supporting this.

What do we need to do to become a global citizen?

We need to equip students with the right skills and attitudes required for active participation in global issues. We need to enable students to develop an open, respectful, and compassionate attitude to difference so that they can embrace cultural diversity. We can do this by building inclusive cultures in schools and in the home, by challenging ignorance and prejudice. Ultimately this will lead students to becoming informed, thoughtful global and multicultural citizens.

To become global citizens students will need to have the following skills:

• Intercultural communication skills
• Languages skills (inc. English)
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills
• Knowledge of multicultural and global perspectives and emerging issues
• Inclusive and respectful attitudes towards others