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RODNEY
SMITH: GLOBAL
EDUCATION and the
AIMS of the UNITED
NATIONS (MaximsNews.com,
UN)
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UNITED NATIONS - / www.MaximsNews.com,
UN/ -
2006 - The
world needs to reflect
on Global Education and
the aims of the United
Nations:
about war and
peace, about poverty and
prosperity, about
America and the world,
and about our past and
our future.
The
U.N. has become an
important global
response to
international terrorism
and key to building a
more peaceful world.
It is not
perfect, but it is the
only U.N. we have.
At
a time when we face a
war in the Middle East
and remember the attack
of 11 September
Americans recognize the
importance of the United
Nations and also the
vital role of our own
global understanding and
education.
Our
perception of global
understanding must be
re-defined.
The
world has changed –
therefore we must
prepare students, and
all of us, for a changed
world.
Most
students in American
colleges and
universities have little
or no understanding of
other religions,
languages, or customs.
A
survey undertaken by the
American
Council on Education and
reported in The
Chronicle of Higher
Education showed
strong national support
for academic programs
that focus on
international issues and
understanding.
The
public strongly supports
programs that immerse
international students
in American colleges,
and American students in
international settings.
The
public gives widespread
support for all kinds of
language training.
The
survey also found the
following:
·
Nearly
80 percent of the
respondents supported
international course
requirements in college.
·
Nearly
80 percent felt that
American students should
be immersed in a
study-abroad experience
during college.
·
There
was similar support for
foreign language
requirements.
·
Nearly
75 percent of Americans
believed that colleges
should educate the
public on international
issues, events, and
cultures.
·
Eighty
percent believe that the
presence of
international students
on American campuses
enriches the learning
experience for U.S.
students.
·
Since
the 11 September
attack, more than 40
percent of all Americans
favor increased state
funding for foreign
language training at
their local college or
university.
·
Some
54 percent of Americans
believe that knowledge
about international
issues will be important
to their own careers.
Thus
Americans agree
overwhelmingly, that our
colleges must play a
vital role in Global
Education.
I
feel strongly that all
students must have a
solid understanding and
concern for the
fundamental issues that
confront the United
Nations:
world peace,
poverty, commerce,
politics, racism,
terrorism, global
warming, the depletion
of our forests and
fisheries, and many
other threats.
We
must be prepared to
tackle these challenges
while understanding that
education today is as
much about character and
cosmopolitan citizenship
as it is about careers
and international
commerce.
We
must have corporate
partnerships, programs
to foster diversity, and
opportunities for all to
partner within
international and
intra-cultural
environments.
Young
and old, we must be
prepared for a rapidly
changing world and the
challenges of world
citizenship and world
leadership.
And we must
educate leaders who
blend passion and
compassion.
We
must not only learn
skills, but also
knowledge of cultures,
language, history,
literature, art,
geography, and global
perspectives.
We
must be able to work
effectively across
America and across
different cultures.
we
must enhance
our international
curriculum, expanded
study-abroad and
exchange opportunities
and develop
partnerships with
our corporate
neighbors.
The
world needs to reflect
on Global Education
and the aims of the
United Nations:
about war and
peace, about poverty
and prosperity, about
America and the world,
and about our past and
our future.
DrRodneySmith@MaximsNews.com
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