Learning Africa

This page provides summaries of secondary school classroom activities which explore the issues related to Growth and Poverty reduction. A link to the full details of each activity is also provided and this is in pdf format.

The activities draw on and develop issues raised through the secondary school poster set and a series of case studies. Unless otherwise stated, the activities have been developed by Leeds Development Education Centre

Small and Large Scale Investment
A role play activity that uses the case studies: The Volta Dam in Ghana (74KB) and Frank Kopopo’s Story (106KB) to explore whether small scale or large scale investment is the most appropriate to encourage economic growth. Groups of young people take on the roles of different interest /community groups to debate the relative merits of three rural development proposals. Each role is given an opportunity to express which option they prefer and a discussion follows which focuses on who makes the final decision and which interest/community groups are likely to have the biggest influence on the outcome. The Commission for Africa report recognises the need for investment but also wants to ensure that benefits of this investment reach the poorest in society.

The activity is suitable for the whole of the secondary age range and the discussion generated by the activity can be adjusted to the ability of the class. Click here for full details of the activity (90KB).

An additional activity on small scale investment and relating to the Frank Kapopo case study has also been developed. This is an information gathering activity which has been produced as a primary activity, but would also be appropriate for lower secondary. Click here for full details of this activity (53KB).

Winners and Losers
A costs and benefits activity in which groups of young people explore the impact of multinational investment in African countries. The groups begin by ranking a number of effects of multinational investment in Africa in order of importance. This is followed up by the groups identifying those who benefit the most and least – winners and losers. The Commission for Africa recognise the role that multinationals can play in developing the continent but are also aware that the benefits of their investment needs to be directed to tackling poverty.

The activity is suitable for the upper end of the secondary age range and the discussion generated by the activity can be adjusted to the ability of the class. Click here for full details of the activity (70KB).

Is Tourism Good for Development?
An activity which uses the case study Ecotourism (217KB) to evaluate the impact of a range of tourist activities. Groups have to decide which type of tourist activities would most benefit African countries, and their peoples, and not severely damage the environment. The discussion explores where African countries could obtain the finance for such tourist developments. The Africa Commission highlights the need for investment in infrastructure to facilitate the development of new wealth creating opportunities but also recognises the need for these activities to benefit the poorest in society while safeguarding the environment.

Eco-tourism
A role play activity in which pupils have to decide whether a Tourist Safari Company should be allowed to build new tourist lodges in one of Kenya’s National Parks. An activity which is used in conjunction with the case study Ecotourism (217KB). The need for economic growth, the need to alleviate poverty and the impact on the environment are explored in making the decision. The Commission for Africa stresses the need for economic growth to reach the poorest whilst ensuring that the African environment is protected.

The activity is suitable for upper primary and secondary age ranges and the discussion generated by the activity can be adjusted to the ability of the class. Click here for full details of this activity (83KB).

Growth and Poverty reduction Poster