In this lesson, students learn about Labor Day in Latin America. They will engage in activities that help them understand the significance of this celebration around Latin America focusing on the work of environmental activists
WHAT
IS LABOR DAY IN LATIN AMERICA?
In Latin America, Labor Day is a celebration in which people recognize, honor and show appreciation for the different professions that contribute to the development and growth of countries. The celebration often includes parades organized by labor unions and official events in the main squares of towns. The media also broadcasts reflections that remark the achievements of every single type of worker, from the most common to the most particular.
In Latin America, there are plenty of activists and leaders, who advocate for rights and justice for communities, minorities, and nature. For instance, Francisco Vera and Francia Marquéz, are two Colombian environmental activists whose work has been paramount for the protection of both environment and Afro-Colombian communities in Colombia. Their proposals and independent work are worthy of recognition all around the world and are now inspiring new generations.
Activity
Share the infographic in
Annex 1
with the class, and then ask students the following questions:
Do you know some leaders or activists in your country or community? What are some issues they focus on?
What kind of actions do they do to give visibility to issues in the community? How do they try to solve the issues?
How does the community respond to their proposals and actions?
Watch the following videos with your students and discuss the questions below as a group:
What do you think about Francisco’s ideas, taking into account his age?
What do you think about Francia’s work in her community?
Do you think their work and ideas should be spread globally? Why?
Do you think that what Francisco and Francia are doing is relevant to society nowadays? Why?
Experiential Activity
Finding inspiration on Francisco and Francia’s work, students will pretend they are activists for a day. They will pick an aspect of their country or community that they would like to protect or work in favor of. They will prepare an action plan, in which they explore some possible ways to gain visibility for the issue and feasible ideas to solve it. Allow students to present their mini projects briefly during class.
EXTENSION
To expand on the work done by different activists around the world, you can set aside some time to watch the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize Virtual Award Ceremony (
available here
), then the students can share their thoughts on how these activists decided to turn their passion into their job and how this job has a real impact in today’s society. Ask each student to think about their favorite winner and a cause that they would like to advocate for.