Humanitarianism and the Red Cross teaching resources

Free teaching resources to help young people consider humanitarianism in a global context, and encourage compassion and the desire to help others.

Explore humanitarianism with our free lesson plans and teaching materials, which are ideal for PSHE and Citizenship teachers.

Get primary and secondary teaching ideas about:

  • what it means to be human
  • what is a humanitarian act
  • why humanitarian aid is important
  • the work of the Red Cross in the UK and abroad.

 

For questions or feedback about these resources, contact us at redcrosseducation@redcross.org.uk.

Humanitarianism teaching resources

Introduction to humanity

Human chain made of paper

Introduction to humanity

A lesson plan to explore the concept of humanity with primary pupils. Suitable for ages 7 to 11.

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In the news

Photo of a woman affected by the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique.

Humanitarian crisis in Mozambique

What do people need following the natural disasters in Mozambique, and how can they recover? Lesson plan suitable for ages 7 to 11.

Teach about the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique
People waiting to receive humanitarian aid in Venezuala

Venezuela: Humanitarian aid and neutrality

Discuss the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and the principle of neutrality. Lesson plan suitable for ages 11 to 16.

Teach about humanitarian aid and neutrality
Newsthink_laptop

All newsthink resources

Topical teaching resources exploring the news from a humanitarian perspective. Real-life examples through film clips, photographs and stories linked to the news to prompt discussion and to develop critical thinking and media literacy.

View all newsthink resources

Humanitarianism in action

Police tape blocking entry to road

Knife crime: living peacefully and avoiding conflict

Discuss how we can deal with challenges and build peaceful communities. Lesson plan suitable for ages 11 to 16.

Teach about knife crime and conflict
An instance of bullying

Defusing conflict

A guide for teachers on how to defuse tension and reduce conflict in difficult situations, with an activity idea for learners (suitable for learners aged 11 to 16)

Learn how to defuse conflict
Children in a classroom raise their hands.

How to talk to children and young people about race and racism

Our guide will give you confidence to talk to children and young people about race and racism and develop their understanding and awareness. Suitable for learners aged 3 to 18.

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Crowd holding signs reading

Manchester attack: support for young people

Explore the ways that people helped each other following the explosion in Manchester, including the role of giving emotional support. Lesson plan suitable for learners aged 11 to 16.

Teach support with discussion activities
Friend offering support

Emotional support in a crisis

Advice and an activity for teachers to use with pupils on how best to support someone who is upset. A quick activity suitable for learners aged 11 to 19.

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The Red Cross

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblems

The Red Cross emblem

An assembly role-play activity exploring the role of the Red Cross emblem, especially during conflict. Assembly activity suitable for learners aged 11 to 16.

Teach about the Red Cross emblem
Smiling woman walks alongside Red Cross volunteers

Humanitarianism and the Red Cross lesson plan

Secondary school lesson plan about humanitarianism and how it guides the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Suitable for learners aged 14 to 19.

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Further learning

Child smiles as he is held by someone in clown costume

The power of humanity

An assembly kit exploring the film The Power of Humanity and celebrating the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Lesson plan with a video suitable for learners aged 11 to 19.

Explore the power of humanity

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