What do we do?
We want to ensure our county is filled with global citizens, and aim to achieve this by providing global learning.
CDEC works with schools, communities and businesses to provide global learning by:
- delivering continuing professional development (CPD) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) training as well as classroom and workshop sessions for children and young people
- providing advice, a network of support and resources for schools and organisations
- running community-based projects that engage and support those living in Cumbria
- working in partnership with a range of organisations to encourage thinking about, and action on, local and global issues.
What we have to show for this longstanding and diverse experience includes:
- in depth expertise and knowledge of global issues (such as social justice, equity, human rights, sustainability and peace) and how these can be addressed through critical engagement
- a team of highly skilled trainers and facilitators, specialising in collaborative, reflective learning methods, and enabling critical thinking
- the consultancy expertise to make bespoke provision according to specific needs and different contexts
- an impressive range of training courses and programmes that we can also tailor to suit your needs
- a successful record in winning and delivering major bids for national and European funders
- a rich bank of resources (artefacts as well as a wide variety of high-quality learning materials) that is available for use by teachers
- active and fully engaged support from our Board of Trustees, Vice Presidents and volunteers
"Cumbria has been one of the most successful counties in England in promoting global learning in recent years." Professor Douglas Bourn, University College London-Institute of Education.
What is global citizenship?
Global citizenship is the awareness of the wider world and its differences and issues. It is a recognition that all of us on the Earth, whether individuals, communities or organisations, have rights and responsibilities - to each other and the planet - and also that we can all tackle global issues through local action.
Businesses and other organisations have a role to play too. Through leading by example and respecting and being fair to staff, customers and the communities within which they operate, and acknowledging their responsibilities towards the planet, they themselves become better, responsible and more successful entities.
Global learning is the teaching and development of this citizenship within society and particularly amongst young people. In England, Ofsted recognises the value of global learning and encourages all schools to integrate it into their school ethos.
What is the role of global citizenship in business?
Global citizenship also extends to organisations and businesses, since they are also part of our local and global communities, and are dependent upon the global political, economic, environmental and social situation for business. By leading the way and displaying respect and fairness to staff, customers and the communities in which they operate, and taking on their responsibilities towards the planet, organisations improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, instil growth, prosperity and become more sustainable entities. This is good for business and for communities!
What is the role of global citizenship in schools?
From an early age, children can take on the mantle of being good global citizens and schools have a role to encourage and foster this sense of responsibility. They can do this by facilitating projects and action that change the children’s own space – whether at home or school – for the benefit of others and the planet.
Global citizenship through global learning also gives school pupils the opportunity to develop their own voice, their own sense of responsibility and open-mindedness and be agents for change. Schools are central to communities and by showing their pupils how it is possible to be open, questioning individuals, they are also helping parents and other groups within the community to be global citizens.