Act of courage

Think about what qualities motivate us to help others and consider the importance of personal safety while helping. 

Someone displaying an act of courage to save child.
Age:
11 - 16
Type:
Lesson plan
Subjects:
PSHE, Tutor time
Topics:
Newsthink, Disasters and emergencies

On 26 May 2018, Malian immigrant Mamoudou Gassama made headlines after his dramatic climb up a building to rescue a young child hanging from a balcony. He has been praised for his bravery, as he focused on trying to save the boy before he fell.

This activity looks at what motivates people to help, the qualities of a helper and other ways of helping while keeping yourself safe.


Resource overview

1. Starter activity: Balcony rescue

Review the dramatic event and watch the video.

2. Discussion: Thinking instinctively

Learners consider what it means to think instinctively, what led Mamoudou to help, what the risks were and alternative, safer ways of helping.

Credits

This resource was written by P J White of Alt62 and published in June 2018.

Image © Flickr.