What is humanitarianism?
Explore the concept of humanitarianism and the shared qualities that make us human.
Age:
11-14
Subjects:
PSHE
Topics:
Humanitarianism and the Red Cross
Type:
Lesson plan, videos
By looking at the ideas of kindness and human dignity, this teaching resource explores what it really means to be a humanitarian. Discussion topics, group activities and a moving film help to develop learners’ sense of empathy and understanding of the topic.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- consider what makes us human
- explore the concept of humanitarianism and what it means to be a humanitarian
- discuss the idea of human dignity
Resource overview
1. Starter activity: What makes us human?
Encourage learners to begin their exploration of humanitarianism, starting with the question “what makes us human?”
2. Humanitarianism is…
A group activity which provides learners with the opportunity to describe and define what humanitarianism means to them.
3. Unpacking humanitarianism
Learners develop their ideas about humanitarianism by engaging with different perspectives. They discuss a short video about humanity.
4. Human dignity
Explore the concept of human dignity, and how dignity can be respected and preserved through humanitarian action.
5. Being a humanitarian
Discover the values and skills that might be needed to act in a humanitarian way.
6. I am humanitarian
Finish with a moving video about humanity. Learners identify simple acts they could perform to take humanitarian action in their lives.
Video: Our world, your move for humanity
Downloads
- What is humanitarianism overview – session plan (DOC) (File format: DOCX, File size: 632.2 KB)
- What is humanitarianism – humanitarianism unpacked (DOC) (File format: DOCX, File size: 130.4 KB)
- What is humanitarianism – humanitarianism is (DOC) (File format: DOCX, File size: 91.0 KB)
- what is humanitarianism – fundamental principles (DOC) (File format: DOCX, File size: 17.4 KB)
Credits
These resources were written by Rob Bowden and Rosie Wilson of Lifeworlds Learning. They were published in February 2015 and reviewed in September 2017.
Help us support teachers to educate the next generation
Our free teaching resources and workshops help young people learn vital first aid, wellbeing, and humanitarian skills. With your donation, we can continue creating high‑quality materials that teachers rely on every day.
Donate to support community educationRelated resources
Refugees and migration teaching resources
Help young people challenge assumptions about migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, and to develop mutual respect, empathy and understanding.
Wellbeing teaching resources
Help students learn wellbeing skills through the power of kindness. The range of resources include practical activities to tackle loneliness, build kindness and empathy skills, as well as ideas to boost wellbeing.