Human Rights Education E-Bulletin

October 2011
Dear Friends, Welcome to the October issue of the HRE E-Bulletin! In this months E-Bulletin, we have news of AI Malaysias Youth Ambassadors and their cross-country road trips, reports from the Education for Human Dignity Evaluation Workshop and the Human Rights Friendly Schools Partner Meeting, as well as an update on the Participatory Methodologies and Techniques Toolkit. This past 10 October was the World Day Against the Death Penalty, and various Sections produced very useful materials on this human rights issue. We include them here, and encourage you all to share your own new HRE resources with the Network by letting us know; we will upload your resources the new Online Human Rights Education Resource Centre which will go live to the public later this year! Finally, it would be great to hear your feedback on the HRE E-Bulletin. Do you find it relevant? Is there too much/not enough information? Would you prefer to receive it once every two months or more frequently? Do let us know your thoughts this is your resource and we aim to make it as useful as possible to you in your work. Please let us know your comments by 21 November as we will be integrating your ideas into our plans for supporting communication and sharing good practice amongst members of the AI HRE Network from 2012. With best wishes, Sneh Sneh Aurora, International Human Rights Project Manager, IS HRE Team sneh.aurora@amnesty.org 1

Temne Soweis, recognizable by their red and white head scarves, join in a farewell dance following their participation in a Dialogue Session which used participatory methodologies and techniques to engage people on the issue of prohibition of underage initiation, Sierra Leone, 2009. Photo: E.Vermeulen

In this issue:
AI Malaysia Youth Ambassadors: On a Cross-Country Mission! Human Rights Friendly Schools Six New Partners join the Project! Monitoring and Evaluating the Education for Human Dignity Project We Need Your Input! Developing the Toolkit on Participatory Methodologies and Techniques Spotlight on the Death Penalty: New HRE Resources Demand Dignity Resource Pack/Other Resources A Farewell from Vibeke Eikas, AI Norway AI HRE Calendar: Upcoming Dates for your Diary

AI Malaysia Youth Ambassadors: On a Cross-Country Mission!

To celebrate 50 years of Amnesty International, staff at AI Malaysia recently went on a hunt to find 50 young people with a passion for human rights who could represent the Section as Youth Ambassadors. Once chosen, the Ambassadors underwent an intense three-day HRE programme, and were presented to the media and general public during AI Malaysias Anniversary celebration on 28 May 2011. With the toasts and cheers behind them, the Youth Ambassadors then set off around on a nationwide trip, implementing activities and engaging with local youth in five states around Malaysia. So far, Ambassadors have visited three states; Johor to look at issues of poverty and to hold a street photography competition; Pahang to work on childrens rights and hold activities with children and youth, and Selangor to work on the right to education and conduct activities with refugee children. Two further states remain to be visited and then the Ambassadors will meet with Parliamentarians to share experiences gained on the ground.

All of the programmes are jointly run and planned by AI Malaysia and the Youth Ambassadors. This approach gives the young people a stake in their activities and by involving them in the decision-making processes a new generation of human rights activists is fostered. Despite heavy censorship in Malaysian media - especially on human rights issues the initiative received plenty of press coverage, focusing on the youth activities.

The Director of AI Malaysia, Nora Murat, was also interviewed in Malaysias leading English newspaper, where she highlighted the work of the Youth Ambassadors in encouraging young people to take on a more active role in bringing about change. As she explained, Its stressful banging your head against the structure, but engaging with youths is refreshing. The way they see things is different and the ways they tackle the issues are different. They have a more interactive approach and are in to multimedia. More information: Davina Isaac, Project Coordinator, AI Malaysia, davina@aimalaysia.org
Top to bottom: An exhibition of street photography in Johor; children show off their submissions to a drawing competition organised by AI Malaysia and the Youth Ambassadors in Pahang; Singing for human rights

Human Rights Friendly Schools Six New Partners Join the Project!
As the Human Rights Friendly Schools Project moves out of its pilot phase, six new sections have come on board: AI Chile, AI Croatia, AI Czech Republic, AI Hungary, AI Kenya and AI South Africa! In order to induct the new Sections and teachers to the project, the IS HRE Team hosted a meeting for the new partners and selected existing partners between 16-18 September 2011 in London. During the meeting, AI representatives and teachers from the partner schools were introduced to the principles and objectives of the project via sessions on how to make their school human rights friendly. The new sections brought energy and life to the discussions, providing ideas on how to incorporate monitoring and evaluation into the project as well as predicting potential challenges and even coming up with solutions to these, before they launch the project.

Project partners reflect on the project so far

Please join us in welcoming the new additions to the team as Human Rights Friendly Schools Projects are launched in 7 new schools across the globe, building on the excellent work towards a global culture of human rights! The work towards transforming communities through a holistic approach to HRE goes on! More information: Julie Mehigan, Interim International HRE Adviser, IS, julie.mehigan@amnesty.org

Monitoring and Evaluating the Education for Human Dignity Project

On the 24 and 25 September 2011, the Education for Human Dignity Project partners from AI Italy, AI Slovenia and AI Poland came together with the IS and the International Human Rights Education Centre in Palermo, Italy, with the aim of developing tools to monitor and evaluate the project,

What happened next?

I used some simple methods of monitoring before, during and after the training [of multipliers]. It was interesting to see in the self-evaluation [before the training] that all participants marked their knowledge about AI, human rights, and their relationship to poverty at the highest level. My colleagues were worried that we couldnt offer any new knowledge, but it was interesting to see the mid and final evaluation: all of [the participants] gained new knowledge. We also did some simple Stories of Change. They are very powerful. I think we can get the real evaluation through these stories. Also, my AI colleagues are surprised about impact and the whole process.

Participants used the HRE Monitoring and Evaluation Toolkit Learning - Simona Kemperle, HRE Coordinator, AI Slovenia, on her from Our Experience to adapt and develop project-specific tools to help positive experience using the tools developed in Palermo. them to evaluate and evidence human rights change. The tools developed include online surveys, self-evaluation forms for multipliers to use pre-and post trainings, questionnaires for young people, and feedback forms to assess the educational materials. Participants all agreed that capturing the real-life successes of the project through Stories of Change is vital: simple stories can be very valuable for any critical review of impact and as a way to reflect on what can often be complex change processes. More information: Melody Ross, Project Coordinator, IS, melody.ross@amnesty.org
L-R: Workshop participants get involved in monitoring and evaluating the project

We need your input! Developing the Toolkit on Participatory Methodologies and Techniques
As some of you may know, as part of the Human Rights Education for Empowerment and Action project, the IS HRE team is developing a Toolkit on Participatory Methodologies and Techniques. The Toolkit aims to assist AI staff, volunteers and key partners in integrating participatory methodologies and techniques in their work in order to enable rights holders to understand their rights and to empower them to actively engage in decision making processes that affect their lives. As participatory methodologies are traditionally used in human rights education activities - particularly in the nonformal sector with groups and communities at the grass roots level - we are counting on you for input into the development of the Toolkit! If you have not already received a template to facilitate sharing your experiences, get in touch! To give you an idea of what we are looking for, take a look at the Case Study on the right from Special Programme in Africa We look forward to hearing from you! More information: Moisa Saidu morrisonsaidu@gmail.com or Aurelia Donnard adonnard@amnesty.org

Case Study: Sowei Exchange Meetings

In February 2009, partners working with AIs Special Programme on Africa used Exchange Meetings in Sierra Leone as a participatory method to convince Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practitioners Soweis - to abandon the girl child initiation process which leads to FGM, in the context of a new law adopted to protect girls under 18 from FGM. Soweis who were already aware of human rights issues related to FGM came along to talk to other Soweis from different parts of the country. Method: Exchange Meeting: Soweis who were already convinced of the need to abandon the practice exchange their views with those not yet on board. The discussion on childrens rights and womens rights was facilitated by one of the partners. Analysis: The specific problems affecting women in their communities were identified. What worked? The dialogue approach A peer to peer approach helped to break down the barriers by using the same language. As Soweis are very much respected within the communities, they can be influential in changing attitudes. Collectiveness' in working on abandonment of FGM. The group as a whole has to support FGM abandonment, as individual abandonment will lead to ostracism and isolation. Lessons learnt: The focus of the Exchange Meeting was been on the law; focus should be also on the physical and psychological consequences of FGM. Offering alternative sources of income to the Soweis, i.e. through micro-financing projects, does not necessarily counter-balance the importance of their religious reasons for practising FGM. There is a possibility that FGM of under 18s is going 'underground', or has moved to areas where human rights people and organizations are less present. Success of the method: That Soweis and women leaders are sharing their views on FGM and openly disagreeing with one another marks a positive trend for opening the discussion around FGM at community levels. Interestingly, women leaders considered FGM a 'human rights abuse', while Soweis generally understand FGM as 'a way of life'. Sharing and discussing contrasting views does work as an eye opener in areas where FGM is never discussed openly. Impact of the meetings: Many Soweis claim to no longer practice girl child initiation, but it is difficult to determine. Peoples thinking around FGM is definitely changing in the community: FGM is openly discussed.

Senior and junior (to be) Soweis take part in a Sowei Dialogue Session discussing the Child Rights Act (2007) in Binkolo, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone. Girls as young as those seen in the centre of the picture could be destined to become a Sowei, as the tradition is often passed on from mother to daughter. Photo: E.Vermeulen

Spotlight on the Death Penalty: New HRE Resources!

This past 10 October was the World Day against the Death Penalty and around the world supporters of abolition held events, rallies, demonstrations and took actions. Several AI Sections produced timely resources around this theme. In North America, AI USA capitalised on the surge of support for abolition following the tragic execution of Troy Davis, and produced a fantastic Teach-in Kit on the Death Penalty through the lens of the Davis case and that of Reggie Clemmons, another Death Row inmate whose case is marked by overwhelming doubt. The Kit includes facilitation tips, materials for a presentation and action opportunities. Download the teach-in kit here for valuable information and tips: http://bit.ly/tY24NL AI France has also produced a series of educational materials for to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the abolition of the death penalty in France. The materials are aimed at teachers and activists and focus on five key issues related to the death penalty (juvenile offenders, deterrence, etc.). A general reference document titled An Overview of the Death Penalty will be published in mid-November 2011. Click here to see all the materials: http://bit.ly/txiFkv In order to further engage young people on what can be a difficult topic and as a way of stimulating reflections and action, the AI France HRE Team is launching a Poster Competition. Young people will be invited to create posters on the theme of the struggle for universal abolition and events will be organized around online and offline exhibitions of the posters. More details coming in early 2012! In addition to these specific educational materials, there are several thematic brochures on the Death Penalty Base camp space.

Demand Dignity Resource Pack

This educational pack, based on resources produced in 2009 by AI Belgium (Francophone), has been adapted by AI France for use in formal and nonformal contexts and focuses on the issues relating to Slums and the quest for Dignity. It includes materials to support activists in their educational work, such as theoretical information, case studies and activities for students. More information: Brian Evans, Campaigner, Death Penalty Abolition Campaigns, AI USA, bevans@aiusa.org Odile de Courcy, HRE Action Support, AI France, comedh@amnesty.fr / odecourcy@amnesty.fr

Other new resources!

International Organization of Francophone HRE - Understanding how to work together: http://bit.ly/vRcfXR Focus On Educational Packs: This kit of eight thematic worksheets aims to support teachers and activists in their HRE work in schools or informal settings. Themes include Discrimination, Torture and Impunity: http://bit.ly/vFfezc

A Farewell from Vibeke Eiks

Dear colleagues and friends, On 10 November I will retire after 15 years of HRE work for AI.* During these years I have had the privilege of working directly with a large number of HRE Network members and visiting most of them, and meeting many more through international events. It has inspired and motivated me to see and follow the great and varied HRE work that you all do, to experience the commitment and competence of HRE multipliers and facilitators, and their trust in the importance and potentials of HRE. Coming from a big and strong section, I have been impressed by the way small sections and structures meet their challenges, and the extent and impact of the HRE work they do. I have met hospitality and friendliness everywhere. HRE coordinators and educators are a fantastic group of people! So, it is with a bit of a sad heart that I leave, but I hope not to lose contact with HRE people completely. If you should want to stay in touch, please email me on vibeke.eikas@getmail.no. All the best to all of you! Warm regards from Vibeke
Vibeke Eiks, Manager, International HRE Centre, AI Norway

*Annette Schneider will be taking over from Vibeke as Manager of the International Human Rights Education Centre in Oslo, and as Facilitator of the HRE Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group.

AI HRE CALENDAR: Upcoming Dates for your Diary

29 October - 5 November: AI Active Participation Workshop, Kenya 12-20 November: Global Education Week http://bit.ly/ohGVN0 22-24 November: AI Active Participation in Human Rights Education Workshop, Denmark 29-30 November: Participatory Approaches in Practice Workshop, UK http://bit.ly/tBiTQY 5-9 December: AI Africa HRE Project: Annual National Coordinators Review, Training and Planning Meeting, Senegal

The Human Rights Education E-Bulletin is regularly produced to inform the AI Human Rights Education Network about international human rights education activities and to share news within the HRE Network and the global HRE movement. It is available in English, French and Spanish on the AI HRE Network website: http://hre.amnesty.org/ If you have news or resources for the Amnesty International HRE Network, please contact Louisa Anderson, HRE 6 th Team Assistant in the IS HRE Team by the 15 of every month: louisa.anderson@amnesty.org