Section outline

  • REFLECT / WHAIWHAKAARO

    REFLECT / WHAIWHAKAARO learning intentions:

    • We are REFLECTING and preparing for our CAT in Week 4.
    • We are CONCLUDING our FFR project and PRESENTING our findings to the class

    Information and resources are on Google Classroom

    Revision of Ukraine Crisis

    Activity 1:  Introduce the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis

    Read the background information:

    On February 24, 2022, the Russian military invaded Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe with a population of about 40 million people. The conflict has continued to escalate, and many civilians have been killed or forced from their homes due to the fighting, creating the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.1 Most of the refugees are entering Poland, with large numbers also crossing into other countries west of Ukraine: Moldova, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia.2 As of March 8, 2022, half of the refugees fleeing Ukraine were children,3 and Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 have been ordered by their government to stay and fight.4 The UNHCR (the UN agency in charge of refugees) estimates that more than 4 million Ukrainians—10% of the population—will leave the country5 because of the Russian invasion.

    European governments and private citizens have mobilized to help Ukrainian refugees. For example, the European Union plans to allow Ukrainians to live and work in EU countries for up to three years,6 the Polish government is providing Ukrainians with healthcare and social assistance,7 and individual volunteers have assembled to provide free rides, food, and supplies.8

    Then, view a selection of images of Ukrainian people fleeing the war from the Atlantic photo essay “Ukrainian Refugees Say Goodbye to Home and Family Members.”

    Several family members stand in a train window, speaking to a young man still on the platform outside.

    Reflect in your exercise book on what you learned about the Ukrainian refugee crisis using the Head, Heart, Conscience strategy:

    • Head: What information did you learn from these sources about Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes because of the war? What questions do you still have?

    • Heart: What emotions did these sources raise for you? Were there particular images that stood out to you? If so, why?

    • Conscience: Who should be responsible for helping Ukrainian refugees? According to the paragraph you read, what are some steps individuals and governments are taking to help Ukrainian refugees? What other ideas do you have about how people and governments can help refugees?


    Activity 2: Explore the Choices People and Governments Make to Help Refugees

    European governments and individual volunteers have been stepping up in inspiring ways to aid Ukrainian people forced to flee their homes because of the war. This generosity should be celebrated. At the same time, it highlights the harsh treatment that refugees and migrants from non-European countries have at times faced in Europe. This activity is designed to help you think about the ways people are standing up to help Ukrainians while also exploring ethical questions around the differences in the reception that refugees and migrants from different backgrounds face in Europe. 

    Read one or both of the article excerpts in the reading Choices People and Governments Make to Help Refugees. 


    Once you have finished reading, discuss the questions. These questions are also located within the reading, below each excerpt.

    Excerpt 1 Reflection Questions: 

    • What does Godlewska-Jeneralska plan to do to help Ukrainians fleeing the war? Why did she decide to help?

    • According to the article, why do many Polish people feel close to Ukrainians? What are some other reasons people feel close to each other?

    • Why does Godlewska-Jeneralska believe it is “natural” to help Ukrainian refugees? Why might people feel a greater obligation to help those who feel geographically or culturally "close"?

    • What problems can it create when people prioritize helping those who feel geographically or culturally “close”?

    Excerpt 2 Reflection Questions:

    • What assumptions do the politicians and the journalist quoted in this article make about refugees from non-European countries? What assumptions do they make about Ukrainian refugees? What do these assumptions say about who they think “belongs” in their countries? 

    • The politicians and the journalist mentioned socio-economic class, religion, education, and physical appearance as significant aspects of refugee identity. Why do you think these factors shape the way people respond to refugees? Should they matter?


    Activity 3: Reflect on How People Can Care for Themselves and Others

    Choose one or more of the following prompts to discuss in small groups:

    • Godlewska-Jeneralska is prepared to host Ukrainian people fleeing the war in her own home. Can you think of other examples, perhaps from your own community, of people meeting a crisis with generosity?

    • Who in your own community might be feeling particularly vulnerable because of the war in Ukraine? What can we do to help those who feel vulnerable?

    • The news about the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis is upsetting for everyone, and in particular for those who have a personal connection to Ukraine or the region. What steps can you take to care for yourself in the face of this crisis? (Some ideas include talking to someone you trust or limiting the amount of time you spend reading the news.)

    • Intolerance, fear, and existing stereotypes have shaped the extent to which many societies respond to refugees with empathy and support. What can we do to challenge these harmful attitudes and encourage more equitable responses?