Syria’s Story: A Multiliteracy Framework for Developing Critical Global Citizenship in Indonesian Students
s2dikdas.fip.unesa.ac.id SURABAYA – In today’s interconnected world, global citizenship education is more important than ever. With the rise of complex global challenges, such as conflicts and humanitarian crises, it is essential to cultivate a generation of young people who are not only aware of the world around them but also capable of thinking critically about their roles within it. One of the most poignant examples of such a crisis is the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has devastated millions of lives and displaced millions of children. By using Syria’s story as a framework, educators can effectively foster critical global citizenship in Indonesian students, helping them understand the significance of empathy, resilience, and action in a global context.
The Need for Global
Citizenship Education
Global citizenship is not just
about being aware of the world’s problems; it involves understanding the
interconnectedness of these issues and recognizing one’s responsibility to
contribute to solutions. For Indonesian students, many of whom live in a peaceful
environment, it can be difficult to relate to the extreme hardships faced by
children in conflict zones like Syria. Yet, it is precisely through these
global perspectives that students can develop a deeper sense of social
responsibility and empathy.
Global citizenship education,
when integrated into the curriculum, challenges students to critically examine
their role in the world and explore how their actions can positively impact
both local and global communities. One of the most effective ways to bring this
concept to life is by examining real-world crises through a multiliteracy
approach—one that combines traditional literacy with digital, visual, and media
literacy. This approach allows students to explore global issues from multiple
perspectives, empowering them to make sense of complex information and form
their own informed opinions.
Syria’s Story: A Catalyst for
Critical Thinking
Syria’s ongoing conflict, which
began in 2011, provides an important context for teaching global citizenship.
With over half of the population displaced, and millions of children suffering
from the effects of war, poverty, and displacement, the Syrian crisis offers a
stark example of the challenges faced by children in conflict zones. For
Indonesian students, learning about Syria’s story can be an eye-opening
experience that helps them reflect on the privileges they enjoy and the
struggles that others endure.
Syria’s story is not just one of
tragedy; it is also one of resilience. Despite losing their homes, families,
and communities, many Syrian children continue to show remarkable strength,
hope, and determination. By learning about the resilience of Syrian children,
Indonesian students can understand the power of perseverance, even in the face
of extreme adversity. This reflection helps them build emotional intelligence
and resilience within themselves, qualities that are essential for their
development as responsible global citizens.
A Multiliteracy Approach to
Teaching Global Citizenship
A multiliteracy framework is
particularly useful when teaching about global citizenship because it
encourages students to engage with diverse forms of information. In the case of
Syria, this could include news articles, documentaries, photographs, and personal
testimonies from those affected by the conflict. By engaging with a variety of
media, students are able to develop critical thinking skills and learn to
analyze information from multiple sources.
- Digital Literacy and Media Analysis: One of
the most crucial aspects of a multiliteracy framework is digital literacy.
With the vast amount of information available online, students need to be
able to critically assess the sources of information they encounter.
Teachers can guide students in analyzing news reports and articles about
the Syrian conflict, teaching them how to distinguish between credible
sources and misinformation. By engaging with a variety of media, students
can gain a deeper understanding of how the conflict is portrayed in
different contexts and from different perspectives.
- Visual Literacy and Empathy: Photographs and
videos are powerful tools for evoking emotions and building empathy. The
image of a child displaced by war, or a family struggling to survive in a
refugee camp, can have a profound impact on students. Teachers can
encourage students to reflect on these images and consider what they tell
us about the human experience. Through discussion and analysis, students
can develop a greater sense of empathy for the Syrian children who are
living through these hardships, helping them understand the emotional toll
of conflict.
- Critical Media Production: Beyond consuming
media, students can be encouraged to create their own media content. For
example, they can write stories, create videos, or design posters that
raise awareness about the situation in Syria and promote global
citizenship. This not only allows students to practice their literacy
skills but also encourages them to think creatively about how to
communicate important messages to a wider audience. By producing their own
media, students can feel empowered to take action and advocate for change.
- Global Awareness Through Collaborative Learning:
Collaboration is key to developing global citizenship. In a classroom
setting, teachers can encourage students to work together on projects
related to Syria. Whether it’s researching the history of the conflict,
writing a report on the impact of the war on children, or organizing a
fundraising event for Syrian refugees, collaborative learning allows
students to share ideas, deepen their understanding, and develop teamwork
skills. Working on these projects together helps students build a sense of
solidarity with others around the world.
Building Critical Global
Citizenship in Indonesian Students
For Indonesian students, the
story of Syria offers valuable lessons in resilience, gratitude, and empathy.
Learning about the struggles faced by Syrian children helps students understand
the importance of their own privileges, such as access to education, food, and
family support. It also helps them reflect on the ways in which they can
contribute to making the world a better place, whether through raising
awareness, supporting humanitarian efforts, or simply showing kindness to
others.
By using Syria’s story as a
catalyst for global citizenship education, teachers can help students develop a
critical understanding of the world and their place in it. Through the
multiliteracy approach, students gain the skills necessary to analyze information,
think critically, and engage with global issues in meaningful ways. Moreover,
they are encouraged to take action and make a positive impact on the world,
both locally and globally.
Syria’s story is not just a tale
of tragedy; it is a powerful tool for teaching critical global citizenship to
Indonesian students. Through a multiliteracy framework, educators can help
students engage with the complex realities of the Syrian conflict, reflect on
their own privileges, and develop the empathy and resilience needed to become
responsible global citizens. By fostering these values, educators can empower
students to take meaningful action in the face of global challenges, helping
them understand that they have a role to play in creating a more just and
compassionate world.
Author: Annas Solihin, S.Pd.
Photo Documentation: istock
