(At the fllowing of what we did last time)

The reason why she created this device was because of the Flint water crisis in 2014 (Michigan), she was willing to solve the problem by inventing a new device that could help everyone. Her love for science started when she was 4 years old, her uncle offered her a chemistry kit. She felt the need to finish it in one day. Besides, her opinion on innovation is that it is important to be motivated so that it will be pleasurable. To conclude, her teacher in second grade, when she was 7 years old, told her that she would change the world because she was motivated, creative and generous.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

 (At the following of what we did last time)

èShe created this device to help resolve the Flint water crisis in 2014 (Michigan). She thought something had to be done in order to solve the problem.

Her love for science started when her uncle offered her a chemistry kit when she was 4 years that she finished in one day. She has a strong opinion about innovation: she says that being motivated is very important so that it will be a real pleasure to innovate. To conclude, her second grade teacher told her that she would surely change the world someday, because at 7 years old she was already very motivated, creative and generous.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Furthermore, two latino women are also mentioned: Veroniac Escobar and Sylvia Garcia. Ayanna Presley, an African-American woman elected for the state of Massachusetts. Finally, the last one mentioned was Alexandra Occasio-Cortez, a Hispanic woman and also the youngest representative elected at the age of 29. She was elected for the state of New York.

These representatives are mainly Democrats. The message conveyed through this report is that it is a historical moment because we have never seen that many women coming from different ethnic groups elected in Congress. Indeed, it marked a strong change in American politics. Besides, it also showed that voters wanted to see a radical change in their society and they wanted to be properly represented.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

Time’s First-Ever Kid of the Year

The document under study is a video from Time magazine that deals with Gitanjali Rao, a 15-year-old scientist. She was elected First-ever Kid Time of the Year in 2020 because she invented a device that can detect the presence of lead in water.

We have learned that she lives in Colorado. Moreover, she shares about her hobbies: she likes to fence,  calligraphy, to bike and to bake. On top of that, she travels a lot with her family. She obviously like science and she really likes animals and especially dinosaurs.

In 2018, she invented a device called Tethys to detect lead in drinking water faster than any other existing devices on the market. Then, it provides all the results on your mobile phone on an app she created. According to her, everyone should have the right to have access to clean drinking water.

(We will continue the study of the video next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The First Lady Physics

The document under study is an infographic about the life of Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese-American who was nickname “the First Lady of Physics.”

We have learned that she graduated from Nanjing University in 1934 with top marks. Then, she went to Berkley, California where she studied for a doctorate (PhD). In 1944 and in 1957, her work did not get the recognition it deserved, only male scientists ibn her team got it. Nevertheless, she could receive some awards such as the Comstock prize in physics in 1964. Moreover, she got the National Medal of Science and the Bonner prize in 1975. In addition, she wrote a book published in 1965 that became a reference in physics: Beta Decay. On top of that, ins 1974, she was named “scientist of the year” by a magazine.

Her parents were a teacher and an engineer; hence the teacher helped her pursue academic studies and the engineer directed her towards physics. Besides, they played an important role in her success because without them she would not even have thought of pursuing a job in the research field. On top of that, her parents were also very open-minded and were not scared to let their daughter study in another country. Furthermore, her parents motivated her to succeed because she wanted to prove that them investing in her was not a waste of money.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Lady of Physics

The document is an infographic that deals with the life of Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese-American nuclear physicist. We have learned that she graduated from Berkley University in 1934 with top marks. It is interesting to note that, in 1944 and in 1957, her work did not get the recognition it deserved, indeed, only the male scientists in her team were awarded. Her ideas were stolen. Nevertheless, in 1964 she earned the Comstock prize in physics. A year later, published a book that became a reference in physics: Beta Decay.

Then in 1974, she was named scientist of the year by a magazine. The following year, she won the Bonner prize and the National Medal of Science. On top of that, she became the first woman president of the national Society of Physics.

Her parents played a big role in her success: indeed, they were an engineer and a teacher. They were able to guide her properly in her choice of field of study. Besides, they were supportive by letting her go study far away from them. They were also open-minded to let their daughter be able to study in another country. We can also say that she must have been inspired by her parents because of their jobs.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Seizing Opportunities: Yes, She Can!

The document under study is news report from CBC News, published in 2018. It deals with the mid-terms of 2018 when for the first time several women from different ethnic groups were elected to the House of Representatives. These women made history. 

The first woman mentioned is Rachida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American and a Muslim as Ilhan Omar, Somali-American and a former refugee. Moreover, there were two Native American women, Sharice Davids and Deb Hallen.

(We will continue the study of the video next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Lean the lesson.

Seizing Opportunities: Yes, She Can!

The document under study is a video from CBC News, it is a news report about the election of new representatives for Congress in the USA. They were elected during the mid-terms in 2018. The particularity of the new representatives is that there were several women who were elected. On top of that, these women all belonged to different ethnic groups. They made history.

The first one mentioned is Rachida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American. The second one is Ilhan Omar, Somali-American Muslim and a former refugee. Then, there were two Native American women mentioned; Sharice Davids and Deb Hallen.

(We will continue the study of the video next time. be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Text B

The document under study is an extract from a novel entitled “The Edible Woman”, written by Margaret Atwood in 1969. In this extract, the main character is reflecting over her life and career. She comes to the conclusion that she has studied too much and is now overqualified as a result she cannot suit the society she lives in and find a suitable job. Indeed, she is too impressive as a woman.

The main character is going through an unfair situation. She is living a form of injustice. Indeed, she is being discriminated against just because she as too many degrees for a woman.  She is struggling against glass-ceiling. She is the example of woman who face discrimination in the working world.

Common points and conclusion of the two texts:

The two characters are being criticized, discriminated and prejudiced against because of their gender. On top of that, both of them are women that are limited to other’s expectations. In fact, they cannot emancipate because it was decided that it is not their role and that they cannot be qualified and have a suitable job. Those women accuse the society because even if they are capable, they want them to give birth and to stay underneath men and not above them. Unfortunately, it is as if women could not free themselves from the way society perceive them.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Facing Challenges 

Text A

The document under study is an extract from a novel entitled “Stay with Me”, written by A. Adabayo, published in 2017. There are two characters, Yejide and her mother-in-law Moomi. 

Yejide is being criticized by her mother-in-law because she has not had children with her son yet. Her mother-in-law seems furious about it. Indeed, Yejide is being blame as if she wereresponsible for this situation. Besides, even her identity is being denied just because she has not given birth yet “nobody should call you a woman”. 

The message the author would like to convey is that, first of all, women are reduced to motherhood and do not have the support from fellow women/counterparts. Indeed,  women are not only meant to be mothers. In fact, women should be allowed to do whatever they wish to do without feeling the need to express their choices. 

(We will continue the study of the two texts next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Hedy Lamarr

We have learned about Hedy Lamarr who was a famous American woman, an actress in Hollywood, a scientist and an inventor. She was active in the 1940s. Google decided to honor her with a doodle because she had an extraordinary life. Indeed, she was not only a well-known actress, but also a renowned scientist who invented a system to prevent the Germans from spying the USA during WWII. She used Morse signals through radio waves to communicate from afar. Her discovery led to the invention of Wi-Fi. 

Her invention has a great impact on our daily lives. Indeed, if she had not invented this system, we would not be able to use wireless connection today.

Unit 4: Multicultural New Zealand

To what extent have Pakehas and Maoris paved the way for a multicultural future in New Zealand.

Multicultural New Zealand

Multiculturalism in New Zealand is the presence of people with different cultures living together, including Europeans, Americans, Africans, Asians… plus the Native people from New Zealand, the Maori people. It is about be able to live together despite the differences, accepting one another and respecting one another to live in unity.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 4: Women of Power

To what extent have women used the public sphere as a platform for empowerment?

Axe 2: Public and Pricate Spaces

Michelle Obama’s Education

The document under study is a video of an interview of Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the USA. We have learned that, as a little girl, Michelle was having piano lessons from her aunt Robbie at the age of 4. Michelle was learning very fast just by hearing the scale, however, her aunt Robbie had another method to teach and wanted to apply it to Michelle. Nevertheless, Michelle did not like it. Michelle parents encouraged her to speak her mind because what she had to say was relevant and meaningful. Moreover, she was encouraged to share her feelings because they were real and not only to speak when spoken to. Her parents believed that acting this way would help her build her personality. Hence, the education and the advice she received as a young girl were the basis for her to become a future First Lady and have a lot of influence not only in the USA but in the world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 4: STEM Women Rock!

What did sciences owe to women?

Axe: Living in generations

Tech Girls Rock!

The document under study is a video that introduces an initiative from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) called “Tech Girls Rock”. Young middle school girls are encouraged to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Indeed, usually, people do not see women do science or anything related to the STEM field. However, the goal of BGCA is to create the next generation of innovators and leaders including women. To do so, young girls are invited to listen to their hearts and to not hesitate to raise their hands in class. Eventually, the goal is to go against the clichés/stereotypes and encourage girls to do science if they want to.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Invictus, Movie Trailer

The document under study is a trailer for the movie “Invictus” released in December 2009. It deals with president Nelson Mandela whose wish is to win the World Cup of rugby to unite the nation in 1995. Indeed, Black people and White people were divided because of the previous period of Apartheid. It was visible even in sport: White people would support the South African team, while the black people would support the opposite team.

Upon noticing that, Mandela wished to win the Rugby World Cup to unite the country. He invited the captain of the team to encourage them to win the World Cup in order to unite the population through sport. The rugby players did not totally agree, but they were motivated to win. Eventually, the rugby players, led by their captain, François Pienaar, went to meet young Black South Africans to make them feel more connected to them.

To conclude, the message of the movie is to show how people should unite and come together as a whole despite the differences. Besides, there is also the promotion of forgiveness and to rise and shine for a brighter future. The Word “Invictus” means “Undefeated”.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Declaration of Independence

We have learned that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson July 4^th 1776. Then, it was signed by the leaders of the thirteen colonies. It was signed in Philadelphia. The American colonies wanted to be independent from Great Britain because there were too many taxes. Besides, there were no representatives of the American colonies in the British Parliament at the time. From this episode, a famous quote was said: “No representation, no taxation!”. Therefore, the Americans thought it was best for them to be independent from Great Britain.

Nowadays, Americans still celebrate this episode as it is considered as being the birthday of the USA (13 colonies). American people celebrate it through family gatherings, sharing barbecue meals, watching fireworks and attending concerts and parades.

Paradoxically, Thomas Jefferson, the one who drafted the Declaration was himself a slave owner. And while he was fighting for freedom, it was only for the White Americans ignoring the black slaves on the territory. Hence, we can say that from the beginning, the USA was built on a paradox: land of the free (white people), home of the oppressed (black people).

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Black Lives Matter Mural Plaza Dismantled

The document under study is a news report about the dismantling of the Black Lives Matter Mural in Washington DC in March 2025. Indeed, the Trump administration put pressure on the mayor of DC to remove it, otherwise the city would have lost federal funding. Nevertheless, the mayor (Muriel Bowser) had said that she already had planned to reconstruct the plaza before receiving the pressure from the Trump administration.

People there were very sad and angry. Some others were collecting pieces of the plaza as a souvenir. As a result, these people seemed to be worried for the future.

To conclude, they did not know what they would do next, some discussions were supposed to take place in the following summer. Since then, this place had taken back its former name: 16^th street.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task: Monday, March 30th: 

Talk Show Time: Celebrating African-American History in Films.

Black Lives Matter Plaza Dismantled

The document under study is a news report about the dismantling of the famous Black Lives Matter Mural Plaza in Washington DC in March 2025.

We have learned that the Trump administration was putting pressure on the mayor of DC to erase the BLM Mural on the 16^th Street. Indeed, they had to remove it otherwise, they would lose federal funding. On top of that, the mayor (Muriel Bowser) said that she had already planned to remove it anyway.

Upon hearing the news and seeing the beginning of the dismantling, people were very angry and emotional. Besides, they seem worried for the future.

To conclude, they did not know then what would replace the BLM plaza, some discussions were about to take place in the following summer on the topic.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task: Monday, March 30th: 

Talk Show Time: Celebrating African-American History in Films.

Vocabulary in Progress

a) The Commonwealth has shown its ability to bounce back/rise from the ashes from historical challenges.

b) Today is a new day, so, Dear Delegates, let’s get ready to rise and shine!

c) The Commonwealth has worked to rise from the ashes of the British Empire, redefining its purpose for a modern world.

d) The heads of states are hoping this meeting will give them the opportunity to build bridges/ to plant seeds of hope in the world?

Music of English: Silent Letters

Vocabulary in Progress

1. The Commonwealth has shown its ability to bounce back from historical challenges.

2. Today is a new day, so dear Delegates, let’s get ready to rise and shine!

3. The Commonwealth has worked to rise from the ashes of the British Empire, redefining its purpose for a modern world.

4. The head of sates are hoping this meeting will give them the opportunity to plant seeds of hope/to build bridges in the worlds.

Music of English: Silent Letters

Language in Progress: Modal Auxiliaries

1)

a. Nowadays, the Commonwealth of Nations can bring positive change.

b. The heads of government must look for sustainable solutions.

c. The Commonwealth Youth can make this world a better place.

d. Climate Justice must be heard by the International Court of Justice.

2)

a. We are not able to change the past.

b. But we have to build a brighter future.

c. Many member states said that Britain has to held/had to be held accountable for its colonial past.

d. The Youth have/has to pave the way to a more inclusive world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Work on the exercises you received in class for Monday, March 23rd.

Language in Progress: Modal Auxiliaries

1)

a. Nowadays, the Commonwealth of Nations can bring positive change

b. The heads government must look for sustainable solutions.

c. The Commonwealth Youth can make this world a better place.

d. Climate Justice must be heard by the International Court of Justice.

2)

a. We are not able to change the past.

b. But we have to build a brighter future.

c. Many member states said that Britain has to be held / had to be held accountable for its colonial past.

d. The Youth have/has to pave the way to a more inclusive world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Work on the exercises you received in class for Monday, March 23rd.

What is Black History Month?

The document under study is a video from USA Today, published in 2021. It deals with the evolution of Black History Month. We have learned that it is celebrated every February in the USA and in Canada. Carter G. Woodson, and African-American teacher, historian and publisher was the founder of the concept, even though, at first he thought that Black History Month would not be useful in the USA as Black history would be already part of American culture. Nevertheless, in February 1926, he put in place “Negro History week” on the second week of this month. At the time, the goals were on one hand, to show the importance of Black people in the history of the USA and that they should be equally treated. He also encouraged schools to have black history in their curricula. On another hand, to increase the visibility of black life and history at a time when the media would portray/ depict anti-black racist imagery.

Later, some activists fought for this week to become a month. As a result, in 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed the first Black History Month. It became official ten years later (signed by Congress).

However, BHM has been controversial because some people think that one month is too short, or that it is not useful anymore, some others even ask for a White History Month or even a Confederate History Month. To conclude, there is an average of 9% of history class spent on Black History. Besides, in some states it is completely ignored.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

First Nations Inspiring sustainable Futures.

The document under study is a video about the daily struggle of some First Nations communities in Canada: mainly the lack of clean water. This video was published in 2020 by CBC Kids News Channel. At the time, Autumn was a 16-year-old activist, she was Chief Water Commissioner. She lived in Ottawa. Canada is part of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth, besides, she is a youth leader and defender of water rights.

In order to take action to change the situation, they should reorganize the supply system so that every can have access to clean water.

The messages that are conveyed are that, first anyone can start to fight for what they think is right in order to make a change. In the Commonwealth, developed countries, everyone deserves clean water and sanitations. On top of that, young citizens are called to fight for global justice and progress for a common resilient future.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Project : Monday, March 26th

 First Nation Inspiring Sustainable Solutions

The document under study is a video from CBC Kids News, published in 2020. It deals with an ecological activist called Autumn Peltier. Indeed, at the time, she was a 16-year-old activist fighting for clean water for First Nations communities in Canada. She is Chief Water Commissioner of the First Nations Committee.

Canada is one of the 56 nations that belonged to the Commonwealth. Autumn is denouncing the fact some communities from the First Nations do not have access to clean water therefore they have to boil it before using it to kill the germs. Therefore, others have to walk 2km to have access to a well shared by everyone where they can take some water to use. These people are living in third world country conditions when they are actually living in a first world country. This situation is unfair.

The actions that remain to be done would be to establish proper installations that would purify the water for everyone with equal and easy access.

To conclude, the messages that are conveyed are that through youth leaders messages are more powerful and have a greater impact on people for global justice and progress in order to build a resilient future.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Project : Thursday, March 26th

Black History Month

The document under study is a video published in 2021 on USA Today Youtube Channel. It deals the concept of Black History Month. We have learned that Black History Month is celebrated in February every year In the USA and in Canada (in October in the UK). The founder of the concept was Carter G.Woodson, a famous African-American teacher, historian and publisher. At first, Woodson thought that black history would be part of/rooted in the American culture that he did not see the need for a Black History Month. However, in 1926 there was the first “Negro Week History” in the second week of February. The goals were on one hand, to prove that  black people had played a major role in American history and deserved to be treated equally. On another hand, to improve the visibility and reputation of black people against the media that was portraying/depicting them negatively.

Then, in 1976, it became a month thanks to some activists who lobbied for it to become a month. As a result, president Gerarld Ford made the first proclamation at the time. It then became official, approved by Congress in February 11^th, 1986.

Nevertheless, Black History Month has been controversial because some people think it is useless, some other people think there should be a white history month or even a confederate history month.

To finish with, despite the official recognition, only 9% of history class is spent on Black History month in American schools. Besides, in some states it is completely ignored.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (at the following of what we did last time)

To conclude, the three documents have several common points: both authors used rhetorical devices to describe their experience of slavery. Moreover, they both denounced the cruelty of slavery. On another hand, one document is a mere testimony, and the two others are speeches denouncing the lack of respect and injustices of slavery at the time.

To finish with, the most effective document is doc B because Douglass was attacking core values of the USA that were in complete contradiction with what was going on in the country at the time.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Youth for Climate Action

The document under study is a video published in 2019 on the UN Climate Change: Learn Youtube Channel. It features youth activist Yande Banda and Ruben Sapetulu from Zambia. The main issue at stake is a call to action to end global warming and climate change and the need for climate justice. In her opinion, everyone should be involved in the fight, from toddlers to the elderly.

Yande Banda is a 15 year-old climate activist. She is energetic, encouraging, influential, determined and full of hope for the future. She is connected to the Commonwealth, firstly because she is from Zambia, one of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth. Secondly, she is fighting for climate justice, which is one of the Commonwealth’s current main concerns.

To conclude, the sustainable goals established by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030 that are connected to Yande’s message are: Climate Action (13), the main focus, then Life on land (15), Life under water (14) and Partnership for the Goals connected to the youth collaboration and engagement. Besides, Industry, Infrastructure and innovation (9) can also be added with the examples of the use of solar panels to create clean energy.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Silence that Speaks Volumes (Part 2)

The document under study is video from Al Jazeera English published in 2017. It deals with famous African-American NFL player Colin Kaepernick’ controversial kneeling during the American national anthem to protest against racial inequality and the rise of police brutality towards black men in the USA at the time.

Unfortunately, the consequences were very negative for him, the same as Smith and Carlos, history repeats itself: he was highly criticized, becoming the most hated NFL players. On top of that, his career ended as no other NFL teams wanted to hire him pretending that his athletic performances were degrading.

Above all, he felt the need to protest on the field at all costs because he wanted to use his influence to draw attention to this concern.

Even though he is not playing anymore, his action still continues to impact people because other athletes are doing the same, kneeling on the field to denounce racial injustice.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Silence that Speaks Volumes

The document under study is a news report from CBS Evening News published in 2016. It deals with the famous African-American Olympians’ protest on the victory stand during the Mexico Olympics of 1968. We can hear Tommie Smith being interviewed telling how he felt during his protest gesture. Moreover, he explains the reasons why they felt the need to protest at the time to denounce racial inequality in the USA. Indeed, even though through the Civil Rights act of 1964, discriminations were considered illegal it still continued to that day. Their act of protest was controversial: the two athletes were banned from the Olympic Village and banished from the future Olympic Games. Nevertheless, their action could create greater opportunity for people that followed.

They were honored 50 years later at the White House by President Obama because their action inspired others and had an impact on the society. Through his gesture, Obama wanted to make up for the injustice that happened at the time toward Smith and Carlos. On top of that, as an Africa-American citizen himself, he felt it was his duty to make them feel honored for their act of protest. Besides, Obama also wanted to restore the government’s dignity through this action in order to give a better image of the American institutions.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Silence that Speaks Volumes (part 1)

The document under study is a news report from CBS News, published in 2016. It deals with the story of African-American Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos who were finally honored at the White House for their achievement by President Obama. Indeed, they had taken part in the Mexico Olympic games of 1968 where they protested on the victory stand to denounce racial inequalities in the USA at the time. Their act of protest was greatly controversial. As a consequence, they were banished from the Olympic village. On top of that, their medals and titles were taken away.

At the time, the athletes felt the need to protest on the victory stand because, even though segregation became illegal thanks to the Civil Rights Act of 1968, black people were still suffering from discriminations. Indeed, they won 2 medals for a country where there were still many inequalities between Blacks and Whites.

They were honored 50 years later because their protest still has an impact on today’s world, they opened opportunities for other influential people to speak out and denounce injustices.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

They Lived to Tell the Tale

Text A

The document under study is an autobiography

Of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845. In this

Extract, he mentions a childhood episode telling about the fact that contrary to white children who knew their age, black slaves did not have that privilege. In fact, questions were frowned upon by the masters to let slaves in their ignorance. Indeed, slaves were reduced to being mere properties and treated like horses. It was a dehumanizing process.  

Text B

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by Frederick Douglass on July 4^th 1852. In this extract, he was explaining what the 4^th of July meant to American slaves. Indeed, according to him, this celebration is a shame because slavery that was taking place in the USA at the time contradicted the values of the Declaration of Independence. Douglass was the denouncing the hypocrisy of this celebration.

Text C

The document under study is an extract of a speech pronounced by Harriet Tubman in 1859 during a convention that stipulated the end of slavery should be done by sending black slaves back to Africa. However, Tubman and other abolitionists were against this idea. In fact, even though blacks were forced to be sent to America for slavery, they were then rooted there. America was the place they belonged to, no one should have the right to send them away.  

 (We will continue the study of the texts tomorrow. Be ready!)

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

They Lived to Tell the Tale

Text A

The document under study is an extract of Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, published in 1845. He shares about his experience as a slave. He mentions a childhood episode when he would compare himself with whit children. Indeed, unlike the white children who knew their age, he could not say his own age. In fact, it was a will of the slave owners to prevent slaves from knowing too much about themselves, to keep them ignorant to manipulate them better. It was dehumanizing as slaves were treated as mere properties like horses.

Text B

The document under study is an extract from a speech pronounced by Frederick Douglass on July 4^th, 1852. In this speech Douglass aims at showing the contradiction of the values described in the Declaration of Independence because not everyone was free: the American slaves were the victims. He is denouncing the hypocrisy of this celebration.

Text C

The document is an extract from a speech pronounced by Harriet Tubman in 1859. She is explain why she does not agree with the idea that black slaves should be sent back to Africa to end slavery. Indeed, according to her, even though black people were forced to live in America, they could not be sent back to Africa as they belonged to America then. The fact that white people are trying to send them out; rooting them out of America is not fair.

(We will continue the study of the texts tomorrow. Be ready!)

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Charles acknowledges the wrongdoing of the past. Now he encourages everyone to learn from the past and focus on the future to be more united and respectful. Moreover, Charles III wishes to establish a stable basis on which future generations can start anew. On top of that, their common past is also an opportunity for them to fight for a brighter and fairer future.

To conclude, the King’s speech aligns with the objectives of the Commonwealth because the goals of this association are to build a resilient future by facing today’s problems together: inequality, climate change, injustices… As a result, they should always be united and cooperate respectfully and peacefully with one another.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Written Production:

Write a message to the King.
As a Commonwealth Youth Forum Delegate you attended the CHOGM meeting and heard King Charles's speech. Write a short message to the King, expressing your reaction to his speech. Do you agree with his vision? What inspired you? Would you like to challenge or add something?

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

 (At the following of what we did last time)

King Charles acknowledges the wrong doings of the past. Now he would like to encourage people to focus on the future to move on together and be active in creating better opportunities for everyone. To do so, they need to listen to one another and work together with solidarity and respect for fairer future.

To conclude, what the King says in his speech aligns with the objectives of the Commonwealth because it is seen as a big family and respecting everyone’s opinion is important.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

Written Production:

Write a message to the King.
As a Commonwealth Youth Forum Delegate you attended the CHOGM meeting and heard King Charles's speech. Write a short message to the King, expressing your reaction to his speech. Do you agree with his vision? What inspired you? Would you like to challenge or add something?

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉

The Reverse Underground

The document under study is a trailer for a movie entitled “12 Years a Slave” released in 2013. It deals with the real life story of Solomon Northup. He was a free black man who was born in 1841 in the state of New York, a free state. He was a married man with children. Moreover, he was a praised professional musician, a violinist. Unfortunately, he was betrayed/deceived by two white men who drugged him in order to kidnap him and sale him into slavery.  On top of that, he was wrongly accused of being a Georgian runaway and was sold to a plantation. We can see him standing against his slave master because he knew the situation was too unfair. Nevertheless, he receives words of advice from the other slaves who advise him to obey and submit to the master so that he will not get into trouble and save his life. Unlike the other characters, he never seems to accept the identity of a slave – for 12 years.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Enjoy Your Vacation! 😉