Slave trade

What methodology does the ASPnet TST project use ?
The project aims to enhance students' capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving - a methodology inspired by the four pillars of learning outlined in the Report of the International Commission on Education for the 21st Century. This includes cultivating positive attitudes, confidence and a sense of identity (learning to be); using an interdisciplinary approach (learning to know); reinforcing students' participatory and communication skills (learning to do) and learning to appreciate one's own and other cultures through national, regional and international exchanges (learning to live together).

Who exactly is the project for ?
Secondary-school students aged 14 to 16 in over 100 schools in three regions: Africa: Angola, Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal. the Americas/ Caribbean: Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Curaçao, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Croix (U.S.V.I.), Trinidad and Tobago. Europe: Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

What sort of cultural interactions will the project highlight ?
The immense contribution of the African diaspora to areas such as agriculture, architecture, mining and metalwork, as well as to the visual arts, dance and Fashion. Music is a vital part of the project, which involves many creative activities.

What kind of resources on the TST are currently available ?
Teacher-friendly resource material on the TST exists in many countries, including UNESCO/UN documentation, publications by members of the UNESCO Slave Route Project International Scientific Committee and material developed by NGOs and human-rights organizations. A variety of media is also available, from travelling exhibitions to videos, magazines, maps, posters, CD-ROMs and websites. A vital dimension of the project is identifying material and making it available to schools.

An online TST discussion forum exists for educators and students engaged in UNESCO/TST-related activities. Group messages can also be read and posted on the Web.

To order UNESCO publications (such as the General History of Africa, General History of the Caribbean and its series of publications on slavery) contact the organization's publishing division.

Saltdal, a Norwegian ASPnet school participating in the project, devotes part of its website to the TST with a list of books and films on the subject, a teacher's guide and excellent links.

Anti-Slavery International campaigns against modern forms of slavery. Its website has information about the organization and its publications (which include a video pack for schools and a travelling exhibition on slavery.