by Liz Allum, Barbara Lowe, Bente Madeira, Dave Richards, Louise Robinson

This resource is ideal for teaching Global Citizenship and is one of a series which explores various aspects of the important subject.

This pack primarily deals with imperialism, how it came about, when it started, its present day position and challenges many modern preconceptions. Between 1947 and 1980 when I was teaching we were very cautious about dealing with these subjects for fears of upsetting the status quo. This material shows no fears.

This book sets out to demolish seven “myths”. They are as follows; Africans have always been poorer than their European counterparts, Europeans ended slavery, Europeans gave African nations an infrastructure, it is corruption that causes poverty in Africa, aid is the best form of help, Africa needs more trade in order to develop and, finally, that Africans can have the same living standards as in Europe.

This pack reminds us of the facts. Africa was a rich territory with many wealthy civilisations in existence long before the Europeans arrived. Europe profited enormously from the slave trade and these profits formed the financial basis for the Industrial Revolution. Africans struggled, placed themselves in great danger and made great sacrifices to free themselves from slavery. Many nations were suppressed and exploited by Europeans who establish a trading infrastructure to serve their own needs, supporting corrupt dictatorships when it suited them. Concepts relating to post-development theory are also included (whose interest it's really in). We are also reminded of sustainability and that in order for Africa to have the same extravagant living standards as the West we would require seven more planets.

This pack is a valuable source for all those who work with children, as it provides a vital viewpoint which concerns the value of all human beings, challenges persisting imperialistic notions and reinforces the great benefits to be had from mutual co-operation.