Described as
"a tsunami in slow motion" by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, the monsoon floods that have hit Pakistan during August 2010 are the worst in living memory, and the worst disaster to hit the country in its 60-year history. We've brought together this list of resources to help you discuss the disaster in class and consider the relief efforts that are being undertaken.
We will add to this list as we become aware of further information and resources – if you have any to suggest, please email
info@globaldimension.org.uk.
Some of the news and pictures might be distressing, especially to younger children, so we'd encourage you to look through the resources carefully before using them in class. We've also included some links on 'handling emotional issues' at the bottom of this page.
Teaching resources
ActionAid have a
Powerpoint presentation and some lesson ideas (for upper primary and lower secondary) on the Pakistan floods.
British Red Cross have a
photo discussion activity relating to the Pakistan floods, suitable for upper primary and secondary students.
CAFOD have a
Powerpoint for secondary assemblies and
a slightly simplified version for primary assemblies. Both give an overview, a story from one of CAFOD's partners, explain how CAFOD supporters are helping, and end with a prayer.
Christian Aid have developed
Primary and Secondary assemblies to help children understand what is happening in Pakistan and how disaster relief works to help those affected by natural disasters.
Oxfam's Dealing With Disasters resource now includes an assembly PowerPoint and script exploring the impact of the floods in Pakistan, suitable for ages 11-14.
Maps
There are various maps showing the extent of the flooding that could be useful for lessons:
Oxfam has
an image overlaying the Pakistan floods on a map of the UK.
(this is also available in the assembly PowerPoint listed above under 'Teaching Resources')
The Guardian has
an interactive map showing the worst-hit areas.
Worldmapper links the floods to the country's topography and population density.
Geographical Association: GA website page on the Pakistan floods (available to all). For members of the GA, there are further
resources and thoughts on the Pakistan floods on the GA Ning website
News & information sites
BBC News: Main page on Pakistan floods See also
Pakistan Floods: Aid Worker's Diary
Reuters AlertNet: Special coverage, Pakistan Floods 2010
Humanitarian Aid
The
Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella group of 13 UK-registered aid agencies aiming to unite agency efforts in times of disaster, maximise funds raised and ensure they are spent in an effective and fully accountable way. You can donate to the DEC Pakistan Flood Appeal at:
www.dec.org.uk.
»
DEC set of images on Flickr
»
British Red Cross teacher briefing on DEC
Handling emotional issues
CBBC Newsround: It’s ok to be upset by the news
Purdue University: Talking with Children when the Talking Gets Tough (PDF) - guidance for teachers, parents and carers from child development specialist Judith A Myers-Walls
Photo: Pakistan Floods: Evacuation © Oxfam International on Flickr