children in the world
#parent-child world publishing #international outlook #children in the world
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The most recent class in Mexico 🇲🇽 introduced Mayan culture and Aztec civilization. It is worth mentioning that Central America has given the world a great gift: COCAO & VANILLA (Cocoa & Vanilla). However, the focus of this article is not on the course content, but rather on the discussion of the cocoa cultivation process and the issue of child labor.
It must be acknowledged that the children in the classroom are not immune to poverty. In the photos, we see children of their age engaged in work, perched on trees to harvest cocoa beans. Thin and frail, they carry sacks that are possibly as heavy as themselves. It is unimaginable for a child to comprehend the pain of falling and being whipped. Instead, their response might be: “I’ll grab the whip from the person who struck me and strike back!”
At times, I come across such “unconventional words.” As an educator, it brings me both happiness and sadness. It brings joy to witness these children growing up without being burdened by the feeling of helplessness.
However, the concern lies in the fact that they may not have the luxury of indulging in minced meat bubbles. As a mother, I find it difficult to fathom the realities of the world. I genuinely hope that my children are never compelled to confront a cruel world. Nevertheless, this hope does not negate their need to comprehend the true nature of the world. And a “picture book” always remains the finest medium for children to explore the world.
The original series of books, titled “Children in our World: Poverty and Hunger,” was initially published in the UK in 2017.
The Chinese version, translated as “Children in the World,” is published by Parent-Child World and combines four books into a single volume, covering four major issues. These topics cannot be adequately addressed with just a few words when discussing them with children on a regular day. However, if there is an appropriate entry point or a picture book, children are more likely to comprehend and engage with the subject matter.
The book follows a clear structure. It first explains the essence of each issue, why it occurs, where it happens, what can be done, and who can help. Each book’s content is well-defined and organized.
1. “Why is there poverty and hunger?”
The book explores the concept of poverty, identifies who suffers from it, examines its causes, discusses who can offer assistance, and suggests actions that can be taken. It encourages readers to reflect by asking questions like, “What can I do with NT$50?”
While for many of us, NT$50 may be a trivial amount that can be spent on a plate of food at a nearby convenience store, especially with the prevalent use of Easy Cards, it is crucial to recognize that, for some families around the world, NT$50 could cover the cost of an entire day’s meals for the entire family.
Taiwan’s society is relatively equal compared to many other countries in the world. Additionally, we have a 12-year compulsory education system, which ensures that almost all children have the opportunity to attend school. As a result, the concept of child labor can be difficult for most Taiwanese children to comprehend. Therefore, when we introduce the topic of child labor in our classrooms and show pictures depicting it, it may not immediately resonate with them. This is where the role of adult explanation becomes crucial.
Poverty can have various causes. It could be due to a country still being in the process of development, a barren geographical environment, or the occurrence of man-made disasters resulting from conflicts or wars. Furthermore, the frequency of natural disasters caused by global warming can also contribute to the prevalence of poverty in certain regions.
Due to the reasons mentioned above, children in these places not only lack access to education but are also compelled to work long hours, often 10-14 hours a day, just to meet their basic needs of food and clothing. Poverty not only has physical consequences but also takes a toll on their psychological well-being.
Fortunately, there are charitable organizations around the world that strive to assist the underprivileged. These organizations go beyond simply providing food or supplies; they focus on empowering individuals to improve their own lives. They establish schools and hospitals to address the root causes of poverty and offer comprehensive support.
While it may not be feasible for us as readers to join such organizations at this stage, there are still actions we can take as children. At the end of each book, there are suggestions provided, guiding us on how we can make a difference.
2. Why are there refugees and migrants?
Who are refugees? Who are migrants? Why do people choose to live in another country? This book aims to help you guide your children in understanding the significant issues that have unfolded in Europe over the past five years. The term “refugee” has frequently appeared in news reports during this time, and Taiwan has also been addressing the rights and interests of “new residents” in recent years. For uninformed children, these terms may not be easily distinguishable.
It may seem challenging to explain the concept of “immigration” in a proper and understandable manner.
In Taiwan, children may have more exposure to migrant workers or new residents than refugees. These individuals come to Taiwan from other countries to work temporarily or to live here due to work or marriage. Their arrival is not enforced, and all necessary documents are processed through regular channels.
We refer to this situation as immigration. But what about refugees? Refugees are typically a group of people who are compelled to leave their homes abruptly within a short period of time. The primary reason is usually a war or violent domestic political upheaval, which leaves them with insufficient time to prepare. They often leave with only a few belongings, hastily seeking refuge in another country without possessing a passport or visa.
Refugees often find themselves residing in makeshift refugee camps, where they must endure lengthy waiting periods, sometimes lasting months or even years, for their applications to be processed. While it is possible to eventually enter a safe country to live in, Taiwanese children may have a different perspective when they see a tent, as it directly associates with joy and the idea of “weekend camping.” It can be challenging for them to imagine the harsh reality of living in a tent without sufficient water and electricity for an extended period.
In recent years, numerous artistic picture books from abroad have emerged that explore the issue of refugees. European countries, in particular, have welcomed a significant number of refugees, and Germany, for instance, ensures mandatory education for children. As long as children in Germany have the right to education, the government has placed many refugees in various schools across the country. This initiative aims to foster understanding of the refugees’ native environment and facilitate their integration into German society. Learning the German language has also become a crucial policy for refugees under the German government.
Due to geographical factors, Taiwan may not face the same issues as Europe in terms of refugee influx. However, it is uncertain whether our children will experience similar situations in the future or if Taiwan will have closer ties with other countries in the Americas. The answer to this question is not apparent.
Nevertheless, it is important to begin understanding and discussing the issue of refugees from now on, as it is always better to be prepared. The book includes a section at the end that provides bilingual Chinese and English explanations of related words, helping readers recognize and understand the nouns mentioned throughout the book.
3. Why is there racism and prejudice?
Do adults claim that white skin is beautiful, implying that dark skin is ugly? Do they express hatred towards those who are different from them? Prejudice is not inherent; it is a product of societal concepts that are learned and acquired.
The #BlackLivesMatter movement has brought attention to the ongoing issue of discrimination against black individuals. Numerous events in the United States this year have highlighted the need to reflect on the cause and effect of historical factors.
However, is racism limited to just America? Encourage your child to contemplate this question. Has there been any so-called #racial discrimination in Taiwan? When we observe the discussions buzzing in Taiwan’s news, do we find instances where public opinions and speeches are often filled with discrimination? For example, when migrant workers sit on the floor in the railway station, should they have access to the waiting area? These public discussions may frequently include discriminatory elements.
Discrimination permeates our daily lives in various ways. For instance, is it acceptable for elderly or disadvantaged individuals to be forced to give up their seats or face different living habits when using public transportation like the MRT?
Similarly, when it comes to different religious beliefs, can we cultivate respect and understanding? Discrimination often stems from an attitude of “intolerance” towards those who are “different.” It can result from a lack of understanding and fear, or it may be influenced by media stereotypes that lead to biased treatment.
All we can do now is take preventive measures before these negative emotions arise. It is crucial to expose children to different cultures and teach them to respect diverse customs from an early age. By doing so, we make it less likely for them to develop resistance towards things that are different as they grow up. This approach can invisibly reduce the occurrence of “discrimination” to a great extent.
4. Why are there international conflicts?
Everything in the world has a cause and effect, and conflicts are no exception. Like the books in this series, it delves into sensitive topics layer by layer, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the reasons behind international conflicts.
In the process of studying history, almost every chapter portrays war as an inevitable scene. The historical narratives of ancient and modern China, as well as foreign countries, are interconnected by conflicts and wars, both large and small in scale.
We often say, “Learn from the past to understand the present,” but is it truly the case? If humanity could genuinely learn from history, why do conflicts persist even after thousands of years? The content of the fourth book is an extension of the third book, exploring the idea that with less discrimination and greater understanding between individuals and nations, conflicts can potentially be avoided, whether in the past or present.
Religious wars are often the most intense, as religion provides a common belief system that goes beyond mere resource acquisition. Therefore, I believe that the root cause of conflicts can be diminished through “common understanding” among different groups.
However, achieving this long-term ideal requires dedicated efforts. In reality, conflicts still abound. So, what can we do now? There are various international organizations dedicated to addressing these issues. The largest among them is the United Nations, established after World War II. Its primary goal is to promote peaceful dialogue, seek compromises among all parties involved, and reduce the likelihood of war.
The Ministry of Education has established four goals for enhancing the international education capacity of primary and secondary schools: “National Identity,” “International Literacy,” “Global Competitiveness,” and “Global Responsibility.” The aim is to:
To cultivate students’ respect and appreciation for different cultures, along with their cross-cultural communication and reflection skills.
To cultivate students’ foreign language abilities and provide them with the necessary professional knowledge for international competition and communication.
To train students to understand significant global issues and develop their personal strengths in global competition and cooperation.
Guide students in developing global awareness, global intelligence, global citizenship, and engaging in global action.
This set of goals for children in the world aligns effectively with the standards of international educational proficiency.
Before November 20, 2020, you have the opportunity to visit Lara and Parent-Child World for a collaborative book ordering experience. Enjoy a 30% discount and benefit from free shipping on orders over 800.
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