Sixth form students across the island are learning about the 1.4 billion reasons they should be involved in tackling extreme poverty, and the successes and challenges of overseas aid. Kristina Crawford, a school teacher, and Global Poverty Ambassador for the Global Poverty Project will be visiting most of the sixth forms on the island to talk about overseas aid.

The presentation ‘1.4 Billion Reasons’, developed by the Global Poverty Project with support from the Co-operative, draws the link between local and international, and demonstrates simple ways in which people can personally get involved in tackling extreme poverty. The title refers to the estimated 1.4 billion people living in extreme poverty, and talks about the Millenium Development Goals which the Isle of Man has committed to supporting.

In a week when Martin Bell OBE, UNICEF Ambassador will also be talking to sixth-formers on Friday, young people across the island have an unusual opportunity learn a lot more about the importance of overseas aid.

Kristina, who also founded the Point 1 campaign which is asking for the island to give more to overseas aid said:

“Overseas aid is something that young people are enthusiastic about, and so it’s fantastic to be able to present to them about its successes and its challenges. If we as an island want to support young people’s enthusiasm and engagement in government, we should listen to them on overseas aid.”

The sixth formers will be learning not just about why we need to tackle extreme poverty, but also the progress that has been made. Since 1980 the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has gone from 52% to 25%, an incredible decrease highlighted in the presentation.

Students will also learn about what people are doing on the island to tackle global poverty including the Point 1 campaign.