Subject: English
Theme: Equality
Kerryanne Shortland (2020)
Class level: TYD.
Kerryanne’s work on equality is shows how Development Education can be introduced to the second level English classroom. Here we find some prose and poetry which her students have written.
Here is Ella Manning taking action in true Global Citizenship style and writing to world leaders….
To all world leaders,
My name is Ella Manning and I am from Bandon, County Cork, Ireland. I am writing this letter to all of you to let you know that in my opinion on the Rights people and children have to clean water and sanitation, as it is a vital part of our lives. If children have safe drinking water, they will be able to avoid deadly diseases. Globally 4.5 Billion people do not have access to safe drinking water or sanitation. Approximately 1.8 Billion people in the world use a source of drinking water that is faecally contaminated. I feel very strongly about this issue. Water scarcity affects more than forty percent of the global population. The water supply for each person in the world should be sufficient. The World Health Organization says, about 100 liters per person a day would be enough to meet the basic needs. The water that is required for everyone should be safe therefore free from micro-organisms, chemical substances and radiological hazards that have a threat on person’s health. Everyone has the right to a water and sanitation service that is physically accessible within the household. The water should be an acceptable colour, odour and taste for each person. Water and water facilities and services must be affordable for all. The United Nations Development Group goal is to ensure that in fifteen years that all human beings will have access to clean water. If you ask me nothing has been done to improve in this problem. Are there systems in place to focus on the areas that need attention? It is my opinion that somebody or some group needs to be held accountable. My dad is a farmer and if he did not provide clean water and appropriate sanitation for his livestock he would be imprisoned, and people are expected to drink contaminated water. I would be grateful if you would highlight this issue at your next meeting.
Thanking you in advance,
Ella Manning.
