Grade 7 Social Studies POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE – GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP Notes
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Topic: Political Development and Governance — Social Studies (Kenya) — Age: 12
What is a Global Citizen?
A global citizen cares about people and the planet beyond their own town or country. They understand that what happens in one place can affect the rest of the world.
A global citizen cares about people and the planet beyond their own town or country. They understand that what happens in one place can affect the rest of the world.
A global citizen: understands global issues (like climate change, poverty and human rights), respects different cultures, and takes action to make the world fairer and safer.
Key words (easy):
- Human rights: Basic rights all people should have (safety, education, health).
- Responsibility: Things you should do (e.g., respect others, protect the environment).
- Participation: Taking part in community or school activities.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 17 goals by the United Nations to make life better for all.
- Kenya is part of the world: our trade, weather, and politics connect us to others.
- Problems like climate change affect our farms and lakes — so we must work with others to solve them.
- Kenya hosts refugees (e.g., Kakuma and Dadaab). Respect and help for refugees is part of being a global citizen.
- Kenya takes part in global decisions (trade, peacekeeping, environment). Kenyans can influence these by learning and acting.
Rights and responsibilities of a global citizen:
Rights
- Right to education and safety
- Right to be treated with respect
- Right to share opinions peacefully
Responsibilities
- Respect others' culture and beliefs
- Protect the environment (reduce, reuse, recycle)
- Use the internet safely and kindly
- Learn about global issues and act locally
- Join or start a school club: environmental club, peace club, or reading club that learns about other countries.
- Plant trees and keep rivers clean — small local actions help global climate and water quality.
- Learn Swahili and English — and value local languages. Learning about other cultures helps you understand people.
- Be a responsible internet user: check facts before you share, and avoid spreading rumors.
- Help in your community: support refugees, visit older people, or help with clean-ups.
- Learn about the SDGs — pick one and plan a school project (e.g., reduce school plastic waste for SDG 12).
- Take part in debates, Model UN, or youth forums to discuss issues like pollution and rights.
Kenyan examples of global citizenship:
- Youth groups planting trees to fight deforestation in the Aberdare or Mau areas.
- Kenyan students organising fundraisers for flood or drought victims.
- Communities welcoming and supporting refugees in Kakuma and Dadaab.
- Kenyan peacekeepers serving abroad and representing our country in UN missions.
Did you know?
Kenya is a member of the United Nations and works with other countries to solve problems like climate change and loss of wildlife. Your small actions at home or school contribute to these big efforts!
- Brainstorm: name 3 global problems (5 min).
- Choose one problem and list local causes in your neighbourhood (10 min).
- Make a simple action plan your class can do (planting trees, clean-up, awareness poster) (15 min).
Check your understanding (try before you peek):
Question 1: What is one way to be a global citizen online?
Answer: Check facts before sharing, and be respectful to others.
Question 2: Name a Kenyan place that hosts refugees.
Answer: Kakuma or Dadaab refugee camps.
Question 3: Give one simple activity that helps global environment.
Answer: Planting trees, reducing plastic use, or cleaning a riverbank.
SDGs you can act on at school:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: share knowledge and support each other to learn.
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: protect local water sources.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: plant trees, save energy.
- SDG 15 – Life on Land: help protect forests and wildlife areas nearby.
Quick tips to remember:
- Be curious: ask questions about the world.
- Be kind and respectful to everyone.
- Act locally to help globally.
- Talk with adults and join community efforts safely.
Use these notes for class or home study. Discuss with your teacher or parent how your class can become more active as global citizens.