Teaching Empathy Through Syria: Cultivating Global Citizenship in Multiliteracy Education
s2dikdas.fip.unesa.ac.id SURABAYA – The ongoing conflict in Syria has devastated millions of lives, particularly children who have been forced to endure unimaginable hardships such as displacement, loss of family members, and a lack of access to education. While this crisis may seem far from Indonesia, it provides a vital opportunity for educators to teach empathy and global citizenship, values that are critical for the development of young minds in today’s interconnected world.
Incorporating the Syrian conflict
into the curriculum through Multiliteracy Education—which combines
literacy with a focus on global perspectives—offers a powerful way for students
to engage with complex issues, cultivate empathy, and understand their roles as
responsible global citizens. This approach is particularly important for today’s
Generation Z, who, although highly connected through digital media, often face
challenges in grasping the depth of international struggles due to their
immediate, convenience-oriented environments. By discussing the Syrian conflict
in the classroom, teachers can help students not only understand the realities
of global suffering but also reflect on their own lives, instilling in them a
sense of gratitude, responsibility, and solidarity.
Syrian Children: A Crisis of
Empathy
Over a decade of war in Syria has
left more than 6 million children displaced, many of them living in overcrowded
refugee camps, cut off from education and basic needs. For many of these
children, life means survival rather than thriving. The situation in Syria is a
stark reminder of how children, who should be playing and learning, are instead
dealing with the trauma of war.
This reality is foreign to many
students in Indonesia, who live in a country that, despite its challenges,
offers a relative sense of stability and security. However, exposure to the
plight of Syrian children presents an opportunity for Indonesian students to
connect to a larger global community. Teaching students about these struggles
can spark empathy and lead them to appreciate the privileges they enjoy, such
as access to education, safety, and family.
The Role of Multiliteracy in
Teaching Empathy
Multiliteracy education goes
beyond traditional reading and writing skills by incorporating a variety of
modes of communication and thinking about the world. It is a framework that
encourages students to critically engage with texts, media, and real-world
issues, developing the skills to interpret and act upon them in ways that are
meaningful and socially responsible.
In the context of the Syrian
conflict, multiliteracy can be used to bridge the gap between local issues and
global realities. By using diverse media—videos, stories, social media reports,
news articles, and interactive platforms—teachers can help students understand
the scope of the crisis and its human impact.
Key Strategies for Teaching
Empathy Through Syria
- Storytelling to Foster Emotional Connection
One of the most effective methods for cultivating empathy is through storytelling. When students hear about real-life experiences, particularly those of children who are similar to themselves, they are more likely to connect emotionally. Teachers can share stories of Syrian children who have survived bombings, lost family members, or been forced to flee their homes.
These stories can be told through
books, short films, or even virtual reality experiences that simulate the
conditions faced by refugees. By using these mediums, teachers can help
students visualize the struggles of their peers around the world and reflect on
the privileges they often take for granted.
- Interactive Discussions and Critical Thinking
After exposing students to stories of Syrian children, educators can facilitate discussions about the emotional and practical challenges these children face. This opens the door for critical reflection: Why do children suffer during war? How do global conflicts affect the most vulnerable members of society?
Teachers can guide students to
ask deeper questions like, "What would I do if I were in their
position?" or "How can I help children in conflict zones?" These
discussions prompt students to consider their roles as global citizens and foster
a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of others, regardless of
geographical distance.
- Art and Creative Expression
Art allows students to process complex emotions in a creative way. In the classroom, students can be encouraged to create art projects based on the stories of Syrian children. This could include drawing scenes of hope amidst the devastation or designing posters that promote peace.
Teachers can also introduce
students to creative writing exercises, such as writing letters to Syrian
children or composing poems about peace. These activities help students channel
their empathy into meaningful actions, reinforcing the idea that every small
act of kindness counts.
- Role-Playing to Understand the Refugee
Experience
Role-playing exercises are a powerful tool for promoting empathy. By simulating the experience of refugees, students can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children in conflict zones. For example, students can take on the roles of children fleeing Syria, aid workers, or members of international organizations.
Through role-playing, students
can explore the difficult decisions refugees must make—whether to stay and face
danger or leave everything behind in search of safety. These exercises can help
students realize the immense sacrifices made by families in conflict zones and
cultivate a sense of solidarity and action.
- Global Action Projects
To solidify the lessons learned and turn empathy into action, teachers can guide students to participate in global or local projects that support children affected by conflict. For example, students can organize fundraisers, send care packages, or raise awareness about the Syrian crisis through art exhibits or social media campaigns.
These projects can be done in
partnership with local NGOs or international organizations that work to provide
humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees. By engaging in these projects, students
learn that they are not passive bystanders to global issues but active
participants in creating positive change.
The Impact of Teaching Empathy
and Global Citizenship
When students are taught to
understand and empathize with children in conflict zones, they develop
essential values like compassion, justice, and solidarity. These qualities are
at the heart of global citizenship. Students who can empathize with the struggles
of others are more likely to take action, whether by advocating for peace,
supporting humanitarian causes, or making choices that reflect a commitment to
justice and equality.
Moreover, this type of education
helps students recognize the interconnectedness of the world and appreciate
their roles in shaping its future. They learn that being a responsible citizen
is not limited to one’s immediate community but extends to global issues that
affect the lives of people everywhere.
The Syrian conflict serves as a
powerful context for teaching empathy and global citizenship in today’s
classrooms. Through storytelling, interactive discussions, creative projects,
role-playing, and global action, teachers can help students connect emotionally
to the struggles faced by Syrian children and reflect on their own
responsibilities as global citizens.
By integrating the Syrian
conflict into multiliteracy education, educators can foster a generation of
compassionate, socially responsible young people who understand that their
actions, no matter how small, can make a difference in the world. This approach
not only equips students with critical thinking skills but also nurtures a deep
sense of empathy that will guide them in their personal and civic lives.
Author: Annas Solihin, S.Pd.
Photo Documentation: istock
