Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour for

B.C. Teachers (2010)

INFORMATION PACKAGE

Click here to download this information package in PDF format.

Organizer

B.C. Association for Learning & Preserving the History of WWII in Asia

Supporters

˙ BC Social Studies Teachers Association

˙ Vancouver School Board

˙ Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association, Human Rights Committee

˙ Canada Asia Pacific Resource Network

˙ Culture Regeneration Research Society

Background to the Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour

To support the Social Studies Curriculum, the BC Ministry of Education published the Social Studies teachers’ guide Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship in 2001. The French version of the resource is also available for French immersion schools. It is to support the prescribed learning outcomes for Social Studies Grade 11, History 12, Social Justice 12 and Law 12. Its objective is to develop students’ appreciation of Canada as part of a much larger humanity and their sense of global fraternity and responsibility. This is an excellent class tool for peace and justice education and for fighting against racism. It is the world’s first teachers’ guide using humanity issues in the history of the Asia-Pacific War to teach human rights and global citizenship.

As a partner in the development of the B.C. learning resource, ALPHA has taken the initiative to offer continual support to teachers in the effective and creative use of this education tool. We can help arrange speakers, survivors and eyewitnesses for classes, and make available on loan to teachers reference and video materials and also traveling exhibits on humanity issues of this tragic history. In line with this spirit, the Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour has been conducted since 2004. For highlights and album of the past Study Tours, please go to http://www.alpha-canada.org/StudyTour/report.htm.

Objectives of the Study Tour

˙ To enhance teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the cultural and historical background of China during the Asia-Pacific War.

˙ To facilitate teachers’ personal brush with this chapter of history through meeting survivors, visiting museums and historical sites.

˙ To facilitate teachers’ reflection on the legacy of the Asia-Pacific War and how it impacts on peace through meeting with historians and teachers in China as well as scholars and lawyers supporting survivors’ quest for justice.

˙ To facilitate teachers’ sharing of their experience in the teaching of social responsibility and global citizenship, including developing ideas and teaching methods in using the learning resource “Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship”

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DETAILS OF THE STUDY TOUR

Key cities to be visited (subject to confirmation)

• Beijing (arrival city)

• Quzhou in Zhejiang province

• Nanjing

• Shanghai (departure city)

Tour period  

˙ July 1 – July 13, 2010 inclusive of departure and returning dates

˙ Mandatory sessions start on evening of July 2 (Thursday): All participants are required to check-in at the arranged hotel in Beijing and assemble for orientation at 6:00 pm on July 2.

˙ Last day of tour (July 13, Tuesday): The study tour will be considered officially concluded after the morning session on July 13. Those who return to Canada on July 13 will be transported to the Shanghai International Airport at noon.

˙ The arrival and ending dates of the Tour need to be strictly observed. For participants who may like to self arrange a side tour before and/or after the Study Tour, they need to work around these dates.

˙ Please note that attendance at all sessions from July 2 - 13 is mandatory unless otherwise specified.

˙ Participants are expected to keep journals during the tour and share them with the group.

Outline of activities of the study tour

˙ Meeting survivors of military sexual slavery (the so-called “comfort  women”), forced labour, chemical & biological warfare and Nanking Massacre

˙ Meeting historians and researchers on humanity issues of the Asia-Pacific War

˙ Sharing with educators on the teaching of this chapter of history.

˙ Meeting lawyers and scholars supporting the redress of victims.

˙ Visiting museums and historical sites related to humanity issues of the Asia-Pacific War.

˙ Reflection and sharing sessions.

˙ Sightseeing and to know more about the people and culture of China and Korea.

Costs

˙ ALPHA will offer substantial subsidy for selected BC educators covering all basic expenses in China during the study tour, including flights between cities, hotel (3-star) accommodation (double occupancy), 3 meals per day, scheduled site visits and related transportation.

˙ Selected participants are responsible for their own return airfare to China, visitor visa’s fee, international airport taxes as well as their personal medical and accident insurance covering the period of the study tour. This insurance is a mandatory requirement and the insured value is a personal decision of the participants.

˙ Selected participants are responsible for their own personal expenses and substitution costs, if any.

The subsidy funds are raised by B.C. ALPHA with contributions from the community.

APPLICATION DETAILS

˙ All BC registered teachers teaching social studies, history, social justice 12, law and other related subjects of humanities in high schools are eligible to apply.

˙ Application form can also be download on line at http://www.alpha-canada.org/StudyTour/appform.htm

˙ Application can be submitted by email or fax.

o Email: bcalpha@alpha-canada.org

o Fax: 604-439-7738

˙ THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS February 15, 2010

˙ Applicants need to be interviewed in person, over the phone or via internet.

˙ Successful applicants will be notified on or before March 15, 2010.  

˙ Selected teachers will be required to participate in preparatory works before the Study Tour. There will be 3 pre-tour preparatory sessions prior to departure, scheduled as follows:

o Saturday April 10, 2010               2 – 6 pm

o Saturday May 8, 2010                 2 – 6 pm

o Saturday June 5, 2008                2 – 6 pm

After the study tour, selected teachers are expected to:

˙ Actively use the teachers’ guide “Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship” in the courses for which it was designed, and make good use of the supporting resources offered by ALPHA.

˙ Create and integrate contents of the teachers’ guide “Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship” into other grades and courses whenever appropriate.

˙ Provide feedback and make recommendation to ALPHA for better use of this learning resource by other teachers. With prior arrangement, 1 to 2 representatives of ALPHA or other teachers may attend classes conducted by the participant as observers and/or as resource persons.

˙ Prepare and make presentations at symposiums, seminars and workshops as requested by ALPHA.

˙ Share resources and experience in the teaching of this chapter of history with ALPHA and other teachers.

Applicants should ensure that they are both physically and emotionally suitable for the demanding itinerary and group activities.

The Social Studies teachers’ guide “Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship” in both English and French versions were distributed to all BC secondary schools by the Ministry of Education in 2001 and 2003 respectively. 

This guide is available for purchase online from the Government Publication Services.

Go to: http://www.publications.gov.bc.ca
Then click on icon "General Public Go Shopping"
Then type "Human Rights in the Asia Pacific" and click on "Search"
Then click on the resource title
Then click on "Add to shopping cart"

And then follow the instructions for purchasing.

You may also download a PDF copy from: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/resdocs/hrasiapacific.htm

Website supporting this learning resource: http://www.alpha-canada.org/learn/intro.htm