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In 2019, the famous German model Stefanie Giesinger went to Malawi to work on a project to fight hunger in Africa. It sparked controversy because she seemed to behave like a White Savior—a person who goes to economically weaker countries (mainly in Africa) and “saves” the people there with their acts of kindness because they cannot help themselves. This form of racism may come from good intentions but, it is still harmful.
This anti-racist school curriculum tries to teach 5th-grade students about White Saviorism and ways of avoiding it. It follows the principles of Wise Intervention and cognitive development (Piaget, Vygotsky, Dynamic Systems, Neuroscience, and Play) to alter cognitions to promote a more inclusive understanding of the world. Although it was designed for White German children, it can be used in any classroom.
What is the White Savior Complex?
What is the White Savior Complex?
Listen to this TED Talk by high school student Kayley Gould. She explains the issue of White Saviorism, its dangers, and ways of avoiding it.
How can psychology help design a curriculum?
How can psychology help design a curriculum?
During the semester, I wrote three essays about cognitive development and how it can be applied to a curriculum.
Wise Intervention
Wise Intervention
Picture: Walton, G. M. & Wilson, T. D. (2018). Wise Interventions: Psychological Remedies for Social and Personal Problems. Psychological Review, 125(5), 617–655.
The curriculum follows the principle of Wise Intervention, a psychologically proven method to alter social beliefs. It starts by examining the initial self-defeating cycle (Phase 1) through a reflection of their own narrative, then continues with altered meanings (Phase 2) through a new narrative, and ends with the self-enhancing cycle (Phase 3).
Phase 1: Identify beliefs about Black African people
Phase 2: Learn about and appreciate the diversity of Black African culture
Phase 3: Collect and discuss ideas for culturally respectful help
Examples for the Phases
Examples for the Phases
P1_Once upon a time (Material).pdf
P2_What is in our treasure chest (Material).pdf
P3_Raising the sword against injustice (Material).pdf
About the author
About the author
My name is Theresa, and I am an international student from the University of Bamberg, Germany. As a child, I was very interested in teaching and psychology, so I enrolled in a teacher's training program with English and psychology as my subjects. Currently, I am in my 5th semester of university. This project allowed me to combine my academic disciplines, experiment with lesson plans, and be creative. Now, I have the necessary knowledge to shape the coming generations to have more appreciative views of different cultures and to be a respectful supporter.
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