A PUBLICATION OF THE ALBERTA COUNCIL FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION
V O L U M E
AUTUMN 2014
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Educator Profile: Ram Etwaroo ACGC is happy to build a partnership with Ram Etwaroo, a Career and Technology Studies teacher at Fort McMurray Composite High School. Ram connected with ACGC though his participation in the Global Citizenship Summer Institute, where his passion for global citizenship education made an impact on all who attended. Ram’s main contribution to the promotion of global citizenship is his desire to break down cultural barriers and attitudes, and promote cross-cultural understanding within his school and community. Growing up, Ram was involved in promoting issues of equality, solidarity and social justice as these were challenges he faced daily: “Even as a child I understood racism and religious intolerance. In my university days, I was actively involved in the fight against apartheid
and racism. As an immigrant of color, I experienced racism myself and I understand very well the challenges immigrant students and their parents face.” Today, through his many roles as a teacher, a parent, a visible minority immigrant to Canada, and a Canadian citizen, he is able to draw on his unique experience and challenge those around him: “I am fighting to change attitudes in all of us. I believe that for us to change attitudes, we need to promote global citizenship, equality, solidarity and social justice amongst our students in our schools. It is no coincidence that I am a teacher and seek to be actively involved and do my part.” For Ram, teachers play a vital role in shaping a student’s identity and destiny, and need to be equipped with the skills, knowledge and competency to build an inclusive classroom. Formally, Ram advocates for this by being a member of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Diversity, Equity and Human Rights
Committee, and the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo. However, he also promotes simple ideas, such as making those around him aware of various cultural celebrations when they occur: “I expect that teachers and schools will take a minute to say, “Happy Diwali!” to students; similarly, “Eid Mubarak!” and “Merry Christmas!” For Ram, these are things all teachers can do to make schools more inclusive. After years working all over Canada, Ram considers Fort McMurray a unique community in which to work and educate about global citizenship: “Although remote, it is a very diverse, multicultural community with people from many parts of the world who came to work in the oil sands. As teachers, we simply need to connect with the parents and tap into the wealth of knowledge and resources available in the community.” With passion and commitment, Ram’s goal is work towards promoting these ideals for the rest his life.
Call for ‘Top 30 Under 30’ Nominations Young people are changing the world! Throughout Alberta, extraordinary young people are engaging with the world to create a more sustainable and just future. ACGC is committed to finding these youth and sharing their stories with all Albertans! Since 2012, ACGC’s “Top 30 Under 30” Magazine has done just that. Over the years, we’ve profiled 90 amazing young people and reached a wide Albertan audience through print and online distribution. We are excited to
launch the magazine during this year’s International Development Week, February 1 – 7, 2015. This year’s theme is “We are making a difference” with a focus on maternal, newborn, and child health. ACGC is looking for youth engaged in international development from both the Global South and Alberta. We cannot wait to hear about the incredible youth YOU are working with! Visit acgc.ca for nomination forms or contact Chelsea at idw@acgc.ca.