Forming a New Government IN T HIS A C T IV IT Y, the participants distinguish be-
tween wants and needs and understand that basic needs can be considered rights.
MAT ERIALS N EED ED
TIME REQUIRED: 30 MINUTES | INTENDED FOR GRADES 6-8
1 2 3
» Newsprint and markers » Copies of Resource 1, “Wants and Needs Cards,” found on page 3. You will need to create one set of cards for each group of four participants. If possible, use different identifying colors for each set.
Activity Steps INV IT E T H E PA RT IC IPA NT S to form groups of four. Give each group a set of “Wants and
Needs Cards.” A S K T HE PA RT IC IPA NT S to imagine that a new government has been elected in their village,
town, or city. This government wants to ensure that all young people have the basic things they want and need and has asked for their input. This is a unique opportunity for the young people. Note that the cards represent wants and needs determined by the elected officials. Ask the groups to decide whether anything is missing and write the missing items on the three blank cards. A N N O UN C E that, for political and economic reasons, the new government can provide only 16
of the 24 items listed on the cards. Ask the groups to decide which eight items they are willing to give up and to return those cards to you.
PA G E 1 O F 4
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A N N O UN C E that because further cuts must be made because of budget constraints, each group
must eliminate another four items and return those cards to you. NO W, NO T E that the government has received many petitions from different community groups
for other needs and wants. Announce that a maximum of four requests will be considered from each group. The groups must eliminate all but four cards and return the leftover cards to you. A S K F O R T W O V O LUNT EER S to serve as “government leaders.” Then invite one participant
from each group to present arguments for their selections and actively petition the government leaders to consider their choices (this can be done as dramatic presentations for all to hear). O NC E A L L T H E GRO UPS have presented their arguments, ask the two “leaders” to step
outside the room to confer. Tell them that must choose just four cards from all those submitted. Meanwhile, involve the rest of the group in a large-group discussion using the following questions: » What was difficult about doing this activity? What was easy? » Which items were missing from the cards supplied by the government? » Which items did you eliminate first? Why? » Were some items harder to eliminate than others? Which ones? Why? » Do you feel satisfied with the input you are able to give the government? » What is the difference between a want and a need? INV IT E T H E L E A DER S to return to the room and announce their top four choices and their
reasons for choosing them. A S A F O L L O W-UP, explain that basic needs are sometimes referred to as rights. Have the par-
ticipants brainstorm, in groups, their own definition of rights. Challenge the participants to form a consensus on their definition of rights. Conclude by offering the following key points: » The concept of human rights is based on the belief that we have rights simply because we are human beings. » A right is something you are entitled to in order to survive and have a meaningful, satisfying life. C O N C L UDE B Y INV IT ING the participants to join you in prayer. Pray for the children in your
own community. Pray for the children in your country. Pray for all children of the world, especially those who do not enjoy the rights that young people in the United States enjoy. Pray that one day all children will be treated equally. (This activity is adapted from Susan Fountain, It’s Only Right: A Practical Guide to Learning about the Convention on the Rights of the Child; London, England: Hodder and Stoughton Publishing, 1993. © 1993 by Hodder and Stoughton Publishing. All rights reserved.)
Copyright © 2011 by World Vision Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716, wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved. PA G E 2 O F 4
RESOURCE 1
Wants and Needs Cards Your own bedroom
Candy
Protection from discrimination
Education
Money to spend as you like
Vacations
Nutritious food
A television
Clean water
A bicycle
The opportunity to express your opinion and be listened to
Medical care when you need it
Decent shelter
The opportunity to practice your own religion
A personal computer
Clothes in the latest style
Clean air
Protection from abuse and neglect
An mp3 player
Playgrounds and recreation centers
Permission to reproduce is granted. Š 2011 by World Vision Inc. PA G E 3 O F 4
About World Vision W O R L D V IS IO N is a Christian humanitarian organization
dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique: We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.worldvision.org.
About World Vision Resources E NDING GL O B A L PO V ERT Y and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world. World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision. World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world.
For more information about our resources, contact: World Vision Resources Mail Stop 321 P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 Fax: 253-815-3340 wvresources@worldvision.org www.worldvisionresources.com
PA G E 4 O F 4