COP28 Dubai
COP28 Events
Along with forging links with other academics and researchers in Dubai, COP28 provided a platform to talk about educating children from a young age, and the potential for Rambo and the Perils of Plastic to do so in an age approriate manner (see www.sustainability-sphere.com)
COP28 UAE
COP28 Events
With just 7 years to go until 2023, we are looking forward to being involved in activities around the Gulf, and especially attending events at COP28 in the UAE. Time to make a difference. https://www.cop28.com/en
Gulf Research Meeting
GRM at the University of Cambridge
Dr Wendy Booth presented a workshop on teaching global citizenship (defined as social justice) within higher education at the Gulf Research Meeting at the beautiful University of Cambridge. This is a key area of several of the SDGs and the presentation led to a very interesting discussion. https://grmvirtual.gulfresearchmeeting.net
Rambo and the Perils of Plastic
Book Launch
The University of South Wales provided the venue for the launch of Rambo and the Perils of Plastic by Dr Wendy Booth and Katie Derradji-Brown, our flagship children's book, which teaches children about the dangers of plastic in the ocean in a fun way. Available at www.sustainability-sphere.com and on Amazon. See it being read here by one of our fans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI1SXNEfoFU
University of South Wales Impact Award
Research Impact Award 2022
Dr Wendy Booth has been nominated for the USW Impact & Innovation Award 2022. She is really pleased to work for this inclusive and supportive higher education institution.
New Teachers' Resources for the SDGs & ESDGC
SDGs & ESDGC
New resources (30+ page downloadable booklets) for teaching Education for Sustainable Development & Global Citizenship now available on our sister site: www.sustainability-sphere.com Taking the chore out of lesson preparation. Suitable for KS2 and KS3 (age 7 to 13).
HEA Fellowship
Fellowship Achieved
We are pleased to announce that Dr Wendy Booth has achieved the status of Fellow (FHEA), which is recognised across the higher education sector, nationally and internationally.
Resources for Teaching Sustainable Development
Sustainability Sphere
Dr Wendy Booth is working on a joint project with the educationalist, Katie Brown, to develop resources to support teaching about sustainable development. We've had an amazing response so far. Please visit the website at www.sustainability-sphere.com
The British Council's Cultural Relations Essays
Reflecting on the Theory & Practice of Cultural Relations
A really insightful roundtable which highlighted the importance of cultural relations within interdisciplinary work. The contributors raised some interesting points about effective communication and inclusion, and developing trust.
University of South Wales & Urban Circle
Funding for Scoping Research
Great news that Dr Wendy Booth and Mick Conroy, in conjunction with Loren Henry from Urban Circle, have been awarded USW Exchange Partnership and Engagement Programme funding to conduct scoping research on tolerance and diversity training.
New Curriculum Working Group
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities' Contributions
Very pleased that T-TEEMA's resources are mentioned in this important report which provides essential advice on how to equip teachers in supporting learners to become ‘ethical and informed citizens of Wales and the world’, and exploring 'the diverse experiences and contributions of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic peoples in Wales, past and present.'
Eid Al Fitr 2021
Eid Prayer
The Muslim Council of Wales, with the support of Welsh Government, Cardiff Council and Production 78, is organising Eid salah for 500 people at Cardiff Castle in the centre of the Welsh capital. Booking and Covid tests are required to take part in this unique event. The wording 'Eid Cymru' means 'Eid Wales' and is a really nice intercultural touch.
Children's Book
Ramadan in Space
This Ramadan has been really special since the release of the first children's book by Wendy Booth in March 2021, which is based on an idea by Alex Fell, illustrated by Hana Hanifah Ishwari, and produced by MySalahMat. It teaches children the Islamic concept of fasting and praying wherever you may be, along with some scientific concepts. Looking forward to the next book - watch this space!
HE Climate Action Toolkit launched
Helping universities tackle climate change
Some positive news this month, as the Climate Commission for Higher and Further Education Students and Leaders announced the launch of the Higher Education Climate Action Toolkit, which will support universities to:
"· Prepare staff and students to cope, thrive and move responsibly in a changing world, for example equip students with employable skills
· Protect biodiversity
· Work toward climate and social justice
· Lower and eliminate scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions".
Online Hate Speech Seminar
Hope not Hate and CCDH
An excellent seminar today organised by Connected Communities, Newport City Council. Owen from Hope not Hate explained the best ways of trying to shift someone away from hate and intolerance. In addition, Imran from CCDH explained online algorithms and how we should simply report and ignore hate speech, and not engage with it, as that increases its impact.
Reimagining Schools
Online Conference facilitated by SAGE publishing 28/10/20
The Reimagining Schools online conference allowed experts to share their views on cultivating equitable, anti-racist social institutions. Dr Nasima Hassan from the UK discussed issues around representation and the lack of different perspectives; in addition, she noted the importance of character education and teaching values and compassion. The other scholars are based in the US and some interesting contrasts in relation to diversity were highlighted.
Urban Circle
Akala: The Power of Education
We were pleased to attend the online seminar organised by Urban Circle Newport, at which the rapper and academic Dr Akala spoke about the ‘Power of Education’ and his views on race, class and power relations. We also heard from the panelist’s Dr Foluke Adebisi about issues related to law, and Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz, who brought home the lived experiences of racism.
BAME Helpline
EYST
We are pleased to share the news that EYST (Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team) has set up a helpline for the black and minority ethnic community in Wales.
See www.eyst.org.uk
Online Training
Online Training Options
Due to current restrictions on travel and gatherings, we are offering online training via Google Meet (if you prefer an alternative app please let us know). This training will focus on teaching tolerance and ethnocultural empathy through social psychology. Contact us to organise training for your institution.
Black Lives Matter
Statement on BLM
Recent events have shown us that racism has not gone away. In fact, in this era of uncertainty, it has become even easier for people to retreat into their in-groups and blame others for the problems occurring around the world. Addressing structural racism and examining the social psychology involved will go some way towards tackling this major global problem. We stand in solidarity with those seeking a just and fair system.