The Development Education Association and Resource Center (DEAR) is an NGO that promotes development education, "to know, think and act," toward a just and sustainable global society. It works so that each person understands issues of development, considers what kind of development is desirable, and takes part in building a society where people can live together.
On its 40th anniversary in December 2022, it reviewed its vision, mission and five goals, and newly created a set of values. Its mission is to "foster global citizenship." The five goals deepen learning step by step: the diversity of the world, the current state and causes of development problems, the links among global issues, our own connection to them, and our participation.
Its work has four parts: network projects, practice and research, information and publishing, and human resource development. The website lists teaching materials and publications, instructor dispatch, the national research meeting "d-lab," introductory courses and regional seminars. Its workshop version based on "If the World Were a Village of 100 People" has been used for more than 20 years as a first step toward understanding the state of the world.
Key points
- Participatory learning and workshops built around "know, think, act"
- Publishing teaching materials and sending instructors to support learning in schools and communities
- Learning opportunities offered throughout the year, such as a national research meeting and introductory courses
Why this organization deserves attention
Its distinctive feature is delivering, as materials and workshops, ways for people to take global issues personally in classrooms and communities without going to the field. It values learners forming their own questions and turning them into action.
It also shares tips for using materials in line with the Courses of Study, which suggests that its information is well suited to teachers and citizens' groups. It is a helpful reference for anyone who wants to deepen their learning about international understanding and sustainable development.
Editor's comment
World problems can look huge, but DEAR's words, "I can be a force that changes the world," teach us that learning can be the first step to action.
Why not take a look at the materials and events on the official website?