Global Express is a rapid response information series for schools on development issues in the news, produced by the Development Education Project and the Panos Institute. Global Express works in the belief that young people's interest in, and curiosity about, development issues is at its highest during periods of maximum media coverage. However, it is recognised that the media do not always provide a complete picture of a situation, nor Southern perspectives on events that hit the headlines.
Global Express aims to enable young people to gain a greater understanding of the context in which news stories from the developing world happen, and to build links between their experience of life in the UK and their understanding of development issues.
The series is suitable for all teachers -- not just those addressing development issues as part of the curriculum. The 8-page packs reach teachers within 10 days of a high profile news story. Arriving just when teachers need the information most, Global Express provides materials that help answer young people's questions and raise issues for discussion in the classroom. Over a period of time the series will also increase young people's critical awareness of how the media can influence their image of the developing world.
Of particular importance to Global Express is the belief that there are many opportunities for development education in schools, both within and outside the statutory curriculum. Global Express can be used not only in classroom work across a range of subjects, but also as part of wider school activities.
Global Express is funded by the Commission of the European Communities and the Overseas Development Administration, UK.