Wanted: free thinkers

It makes economic sense to give pupils an independent, global perspective, says DEA chief Hetan Shah, as that's what employers now demand

Liz Ford
Tuesday April 29, 2008

EducationGuardian.co.uk

As new markets open up around the world, employers increasingly seek workers with a world viewpoint and who understand terms such as sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Indeed, business leaders are concerned that the UK is producing workers with a "Little England" outlook.

Hetan Shah, chief executive of the DEA (formerly Development Education Association), believes offering young people a global slant on life will play a vital part in meeting future employer needs.

"Business needs people who can see the world from a variety of perspectives," says Shah. "We operate in a global marketplace. There's a real push on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, so these skills are in demand."

The new 14-19 diplomas, which will be offered by some schools from September, may provide a better fit for global citizenship because of the vocational nature of the courses. For instance, fair trade is likely to crop up on catering or fashion courses.

However, given current pressures, will teachers have the time to incorporate the development message into their lessons?

Big task

Shah admits it could be a tall order. "The trouble is finding room to do it, but it's not being thought about enough at the moment." He thinks there is too little space in the curriculum for pupils to think critically. "We're getting more successful in getting the word 'global' into the curriculum, but actually I would like it if children questioned assumptions - for instance, when they're told recycling is good, to question if it really is that good."

The DEA was established 15 years ago to influence policy on development education in schools. It has individual supporters and around 250 member organisations, including local DECs and international bodies such as Oxfam and Save the Children, and has played a major role in developing the new secondary curriculum. At its heart is a desire to give young people a critical perspective of the world and the skills needed to live in it.

Shah admits it could take time to fully incorporate a global message into lessons. "Education is slightly behind where the world is at," he says. The question is how long it will take to catch up.

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DEA:
www.dea.org.uk
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