As a GCC Club leader at our homeschool co-op, our Model UN/Global Issues class has been using the Global Concerns Classroom curriculum, with a focus on the Education Unit Plan. We have been specifically talking about lack of access to education around the world, who is left out, and why? In class, we have had discussions, done activities, and watched videos regarding lack of access to education around the world, and how we can help combat this pressing issue. Today's class focused on "Who's Left Out?" This GCC lesson focused on the groups of people left out of having an access to education. 

I chose two videos to watch in class, which are linked below. The first is a Ted Talk by Kakenya Ntaiya, a Kenyan educator, feminist and social activist. Ntaiya is the founder and president of the Kakenya Center for Excellence, a primary boarding school for girls in the Maasai village of Enoosaen. Click here to to hear Kakenya's story. 

The second video we watched in class focused on the lack of access to an education for children with disabilities. The 2013 State of the World's Children report by UNICEF shares upsetting statistics regarding the amount of children with disabilities that are denied access to an education. Click here to learn more. 

After watching the videos, the class brainstormed answers to this question: "Can you think of at least three groups (or types) of people that might be denied an education?" 

The students answered. 

Seeing such accurate and relevant answers was inspiring. Throughout the class we will continue to talk about the barriers to education around the world. In January, I will be updating with videos/pictures of the Project Proposal presentations the class will be working on for the beginning of next semester. 

xx, anna