Skip to main content
British Red Cross homepage

The Afghanistan crisis

The Afghanistan crisis: Newsthink

Use our new look Newsthink to explore the crisis in Afghanistan through a powerful photo and explore how humanitarian crises affect people

Age:

11-19

Subjects:

PSHE, Tutor time

Topics:

Conflict, Newsthink, Refugees and migration

Type:

Quick activities

Events in Afghanistan dominated the news in August 2021, but what do you think the people in Afghanistan are feeling? Use this quick photo-based teaching resource with young people to explore the impacts conflict and crisis have on people, and discuss our common human values. 

Learning objectives:

  • Examine and discuss an image related to a current humanitarian news event
  • Analyse and identify how people are impacted by this event
  • Discuss and debate a statement relating to a core value by explaining whether you agree or disagree

How do I use this resource?

Explore the Afghanistan crisis through an evocative photo. Download the PowerPoint above to deliver the activities. Use one, some or all of the activities, as suits you. Each one can be done in ten to fifteen minutes. Embed this activity into your lessons or use it in assembly or tutor time to engage learners with current events and humanitarian news. Topical news events can be emotive and this resource has been updated to reflect the changing crisis within Afghanistan after requests from educators. 

Download the guide on how to create a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment

Resource overview

  1. Explore the photo of the people at Kabul airport, and ask learners to analyse the moment captured using the “see, think, feel” framework
  2. Debate the statement: All people deserve to be safe. Do learners agree or disagree? Why? Encourage learners to reflect on their values and opinions in their own time through a reflective journal
  3. Explore what further actions people can take to learn more about this issue, or support the people affected.


Go to:

  • How to talk to children and young people about conflict

    Our guide will give you confidence to discuss conflict with school aged children, using an impartial and neutral humanitarian approach.

  • Rules of war

    Introduces young people to international humanitarian law principles. They can explore what the laws are, why we have them and their importance in governing what is allowed in armed conflict. Suitable for ages 14 to 19.

  • Newsthink: conflict in Sudan

    Explore the crisis in Sudan through a humanitarian lens. Use images to explore the impact the conflict is having on civilians, many of whom have fled their country or are still trying to leave. Suitable for ages 10 to 19.

  • Newsthink: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

    Use this free teaching resource to explore the rules of war and their importance during conflict, based on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Suitable for ages 10 to 19.

Do you have a question about this page or want to give us feedback? Visit our Contact Us page.