2.5 Human Rights & Needs vs Wants

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

identify the difference between 'wants' and 'needs'.
describe children’s rights as per the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (1989).
explain how these rights are based on essential needs.
Assess whether these rights are being met in urban slums.

Starter - click on the link to the left to view some variations in where different children sleep in different parts of the world.

One in seven of the world’s population survive in urban slums. They live, work and raise their children in appalling conditions. Slum-dwellers suffer from overcrowding, inadequate and insecure housing and lack basic services such as clean water and sanitation. They live under the constant threat of violence and forced evictions.

Task 1 - Create two lists - one titled 'Needs' one titled 'Wants'. Look at the following words and have a think about which of two lists you would place each in.

'NEEDS' - these are things you need on a daily basis for a healthy, happy and safe life.

'WANTS' - these are things that would enhance your life in some way but are not essential for your health or happiness.

Shoes fridge fruit and vegetables house safety

Phone skateboard freedom from fear washing machine meat

Water bike comfy bed soccer ball medicine

Playstation education computer knives and forks

ice cream family pet dog clothes warmth

Task 2 - Have a read through Articles 27, 28 and 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (1989). These are human rights or, in other words NEEDS, that in theory should be available to EVERY child around the world.

Article 27

You have the right to food, clothing, a safe place to live and to have your basic needs met. You should not be disadvantaged so that you can’t do many of the things other kids can do.

Article 28

You have the right to an education. You should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level you can.

Article 24

You have the right to the best health care possible, safe water to drink, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help you stay well.

Do all children experience these Human Rights?

What are three locations around the world where this is not happening?

Task 3 - You are going to watch a short film about Dennis, a 13-year-old boy who lives in an urban slum called Mukuru in Nairobi, Kenya. Click on the image to the right to watch the film via 'Vimeo'. It is a free to view film - you shouldn't need to create an account to watch it.

Task 4 - Use the information from the video to argue one side of a debate on the following question:

‘Young people in urban slums have everything they need to live a happy life.’

Your teacher will split the class in two - you will create some arguments according to which half of the debate you have been assigned. You may use the internet to assist you.

Instructions

Use what you have learned in this unit so far to collectively create an argument according to which half of the debate you have been assigned. When you have a point to make that you think is valid, come up and write it on the poster at the front of the room.

Tip - where you can - use evidence - statistics - examples - names of people and places. The more evidence you have, the more people will listen to your point.