Global Citizenship in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Lesson 1

Introduction to Malawi

English - French

In this lesson, students will learn to:

• Increase their understanding of social conditions in fishing communities of Malawi
• Increase their appreciation of how history can affect today's situations, challenges, and diversity
• Foster critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and global citizenship

Overview:

In these activities, students explore the history of Malawi and how this has affected the country's development. Students will be encouraged to think critically about how they view Africa in the world, and to discuss the development of one of the countries in this continent. Fisheries are considered as one of the factors that is particularly important to the people living in poverty or at subsistence level. Questions that are raised include:

1. How do ancient and recent histories influence today's situations?

2. How is “development” defined, and how has it evolved in the case of Malawi?

3. What perceptions do Canadians have of Africa and Malawi, and how do these compare with current realities?

4. How have fisheries and aquaculture contributed to development in Malawi?

5. How have and are foreign aid projects contributing to development in Malawi?

The final parts of the lessons ask students to reflect on the history of their own country, discuss how they think history influences development and explore how this affects the human condition at the level of the fishing villages in Malawi and coastal communities in Canada.

The lessons will provide background and questions for units dealing with other countries, as well as providing opportunities for further research.

Much of the Malawi unit is a discussion-based resource that builds research skills, but is possibly better for older students and/or home schooling.

Subject(s):

Social Studies

Skills:

Gathering information, presenting information, reflecting, critical thinking

Time Required:

4 activities, 30 to 60 minutes each

Activities:

1. Discussion of Stereotypes and History
2. Create Poster on Colonization
3. Essay and Journaling on Development
4. Geography and Basic Facts

Suggestions for Extensions:

See Appendix

Materials and References:

See individual activities or Appendix