Global citizenship education as a solution to cultural difference

We are the most affected by the multiple and often interlinked forms of violence such as terrorist attacks or political violence that we witness or read through media. Therefore, we are directly concerns in finding the solution in order to bring back a peaceful world where we can be more tolerant, respecting differences and sharing commonalities. The differences between people need not act as barriers that wound, harm and drive us apart. Rather, these very differences among cultures and civilizations should be valued as manifestations of the richness of our shared creativity.

With Globalization, our actions are no more having just a national or regional impact. We are now living in a global village where we have shared responsibilities. We must be belonging to a broader community and common humanity. We must develop that global consciousness and competencies that will enable us to understand and resolve global issues in our sociocultural, environmental and economic environment. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.  Then Global Citizenship Education allows learners to act effectively and responsibly at local, national and global levels for a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world.

I strongly believe that it is difference that makes the beautifulness of the world because our identities are entirely made up of relations. Woven into other contributions, nourished by various worlds, born of unforeseen encounters: diversity is what we have in common. Our humanity is first and foremost a plurality. We are made by the world that we make, that we mix with, modelled by what comes from afar, crosses our paths and carries us forward. That’s why, I am engaged in the promotion of Art of Speech through debate and leadership training that I think is a tool to promote tolerance, emotional intelligence and critical thinking amongst youth. I think no matter how complex global challenges may seem, we must remember that it is we ourselves who have given rise to them. It is therefore impossible that they are beyond our power as human beings to resolve. Returning to our humanity, reforming and opening up the inner capacities of our lives can enable reform and empowerment on a global scale.

I want to play an active role as an agent of positive and constructive change for the maintenance of international peace and justice. I am very shocked when I watch terrorist attacks on the TV or event in my country Cameroon with Boko Haram and now the « Anglophone Crisis ». It is very painful but as that violence are perpetrated by other young like me, I have the responsibility to demonstrate that all youths are not violent, some are just victims of manipulation. As a youth leader, I want to prove that young people can construct and maintain peace, can build a bridge across the cultural barrier, can work together, educating each other and promoting peace. We must therefore work hard and be responsible in order to positively impact our society and build a better world.