Curriculum empowers youth to become agents of change

Melahnie Moodie graduated from the BSc in Environmental Science program in 1999. For the past five years, she's been involved in an exciting project called 4REAL, a documentary TV series which takes celebrity guests on adventures around the world to connect with young leaders who, under extreme circumstances, are effecting positive change in their communities and beyond. Now, Moodie has developed a curriculum based on the television series.

"I wanted to engage students intellectually, empathetically and empower them to critically examine issues in order to become agents of change and make a positive contribution to their community." - Melahnie Moodie ________________ Photo taken in remote Amazonian village by Michael Muller

Infused with multimedia and pop culture, 4REAL School looks at poverty, human rights and the environment through the hearts and minds of young leaders who are implementing community-based solutions.

"We wanted to engage students intellectually, empathetically and actively to empower them in making a positive contribution to their local and global community," says developer and teacher Melahnie Moodie who created the global education resource with help from anti-racism and diversity consultant Angela Brown.

Soon to be implemented by the Vancouver School Board for students in grades 6-12, 4REAL School combines hands-on lessons with multimedia and music.

"Because the teaching guides and DVDs are based on the television series, they capture the attention of young people who are drawn to the appeal of celebrity culture, music, art and digital media," says Moodie. "Cameron Diaz, K'NAAN and M.I.A. are just a few of the celebrities who have been featured on the program which takes viewers to places like Liberia, Kenya, Peru, Haiti and Brazil."

4REAL television offers young leaders something even more tangible than publicity and profile.

"They become partners in the show because 50 per cent of the episode's profits go directly to their initiative," says Moodie.

Tina Cobbledick is a grade 6/7 Teacher
from Ecole Elsie Mironuck School in Regina. After implementing 4REAL School, she described the curriculum as effective and inspirational.

"As a middle years teacher, I often become frustrated by the my student's egocentrism. The 4REAL resources opened up the world to them. Suddenly, they were viewing situations from a variety of perspectives and wanting to create real change in our own community," she says.

Created by Sol Guy and Josh Thome and produced by Direct Current Media, 4REAL has aired in 166 countries in 34 languages. It is currently airing on MTV Canada.

Visit www.4real.com to learn more.