Global Neighbours Updates

From autumn 2024 we are making some changes to the training and application process for Global Neighbours. We hope these changes will provide you with better support as you work towards accreditation. Please read the following information carefully:

OLD SYSTEM - If you registered before 20th June 2024 and have attended a Global Neighbours training webinar:

• You are welcome to proceed with your application as per our old system. 
• Once you feel confident that you are meeting all the criteria and have provided sufficient evidence on your self evaluation form you can submit it via the link you received in your confirmation email (contact us via gnadmin@christian-aid.org if you have lost your conformation email). 
• However, if you would prefer to wait and access the new training described below, you are welcome to do so! If that it the case, please email us via the email address above and ask to be enrolled when the new system comes online.
• If you have any questions at all, please get in touch!

NEW SYSTEM - If you registered after 20th June 2024 and/or have not attended a Global Neighbours training webinar:

• From autumn 2024 we will be guiding schools through the Global Neighbours process through a series of five half-termly webinars, supported by an online learning platform. By the end of these five sessions, schools should be in a good position to make a strong application.
• Sessions will cover a range of topics aimed at helping you to make a strong Global Neighbours application, and how to develop and deepen your practice. Topics will include:
  • An introduction to courageous advocacy and global citizenship education
  • How to work apply the Global Neighbours criteria at your school
  • Anti-racism in school
  • Avoiding eco-anxiety, and dealing sensitively with difficult topics
  • And more!
• There will be two primary cohorts running each year, one starting in October, the other starting in March.
• There will be one secondary cohort, starting in November.
• There will be a small cost to enroll (amount tbc), but this will cover all your training, as well as ongoing support and access to the Global Neighbours community and future training and events.
• The online learning platform is still in development, so it is not yet possible to enroll online. However, we will contact you again during the autumn term to invite you to do so.

In the meantime:

1. Please make a note of the training dates for our 2024-25 cohorts:

• Primary cohort 1: Wednesday 23^rd October, Tuesday 19^th November, Wednesday 22^nd January, Tuesday 4^th March, Wednesday 7^th May.
• Primary cohort 2: Wednesday 26^th March, Tuesday 29^th April, Wednesday 25^th June, Tuesday 23^rd September, 5^th November.
• Secondary cohort: Wednesday 6^th November, Tuesday 14^th January, Wednesday 5^th March, Wednesday 30^th April, Tuesday 17^th June.

2. All the resources you will need will be on the new online platform, but until it is available you may find it helpful to download Global Neighbours Resource Pack folder which we have used under the outgoing system. You will find links to the resource pack on the page for registered schools. You will have received a link to this page in your confirmation email (contact us via gnadmin@christian-aid.org if you have lost your conformation email). 

3. Start to think about which award (Bronze, Silver or Gold) you wish to applying for. The criteria can be found in the Global Neighbours handbook or the Self Evaluation Form.

4. Wait to hear from us. We will be contacting registered schools in the autumn term with details of how to enroll for one of this year's cohorts.

New resources - November 2023

Christian Aid has teamed-up with Fischy Music to produce three fabulous new songs for use in schools, including a song all about Global Neighbours! You can find them here. Resources to support their use are coming soon.

We have also produced a launch assembly for primary schools. Registered schools can find it by downloading the latest version of the Global Neighbours resource pack.

The criteria for the Global Neighbours award have been amended slightly. The most significant change is in the Leadership section, which now includes a requirement that schools work to establish a culture of anti-racism in school. Further explanation and support can be found on our Anti-Racism signposting page.

The criteria relating to anti-racism are as follows:

• BRONZE: School leaders are working to establish a culture of anti-racism throughout the school. This is a long-term priority and is demonstrated by specific commitments in the both the Global Neighbours action plan and school development plans.
• SILVER: School leaders invest in providing time, space and development opportunities for staff to develop their thinking and practice on global citizenship, courageous advocacy and anti-racism. Such opportunities actively challenge approaches to aid/development/charity which reinforce harmful stereotypes. They have established a culture of anti-racism in the school and have made specific commitments to maintaining this work. There are clear examples of the positive impact this is having in the school community.
• GOLD: School leaders ensure there is a strong and well established culture of anti-racism in the school and investment is place to allow this to continue in the long-term. Staff have a firm understanding of anti-racist principles and are united in their commitment to being an anti-racist school.

Other changes to the criteria:

• For the BRONZE award, the criterion in section 4 (pupil participation in active global citizenship) has been split into two for clarity.
• For the BRONZE award an extra criterion has been added to section 5 (community engagement): ‘All pupils have age-appropriate opportunities to begin to communicate their concerns and ideas in relation to issues of poverty, injustice and climate justice with decision-makers at local, national or global levels.’ This was previously a SILVER criterion.
• For the SILVER award an extra criterion has been added to section 5 (community engagement): ‘At an age-appropriate level, all pupils will frequently encourage others in their community (family, school, neighbourhood, locality) to think globally and consider how our lifestyles and actions can impact upon our global neighbours for better or for worse.’ This was previously a GOLD criterion.