I hope the project will build an awareness that because global citizenship enjoys multiple and diverse definitions, it is open to our own interpretation and participation. As global citizenship becomes an increasingly popular term, there is also an opportunity to critically reflect on how we are being involved through the definitions of others and how/if we would like to identify with the term. This exploration of global citizenship might be used to connect with ways we have, are and aspire to participate in all levels of society.
The project has two platforms, an online blog and a future plan to include the project in the CONTACT photography festival in Toronto, in May 2009. I invite everyone to visit and contribute to the blog.

Committee members

Dr. E. Wayne Ross, Department of Curriculum Studies
Dr. Mary Bryson, Director, Centre for Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education

Yasmeen Ahmad's Background

I am from Toronto, Ontario and have also lived in Schomberg, Ontario, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , Bali, Indonesia, and Vancouver, British Columbia. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a T.E.S.L. Certificate from the Canadian Cooperative for Language and Cultural Studies, a Bachelor of Education from York University and now a Master of Education from the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education. I have been an educator for thirteen years, teaching English as a Second Language for eight years to adults, youth and children in Canada and Indonesia. I have spent the past four years working as a public school educator in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. My experience at CCFI has provided me with the opportunity to think critically about the notion of global citizenship and to inquire into how this term is used in diverse formal, informal and non-formal teaching and learning environments. My final online project and graduating paper reflect my interest in facilitating creative and critical learning environments that provide spaces for people to speak for and represent themselves.

Graham Giles is a doctoral student in the CCFI. He completed a MA at the Centre in 2007, whose thesis is entitled "A Taste for Meaning: Hannah Arendt and Educational Thought". Previously he was a B.Ed. student in the Faculty of Education, and now is also a teacher in the North Vancouver School District. Graham’s research departs from a nexus of continental philosophy, political theory and educational thought. He is elaborating an argument for conceptual inquiry in educational research (particularly after finding it not recognizable as research in graduate research methods courses—for want of “data”). His work is also pursuing an inquiry into an Arendtian contribution to thinking of concepts of theory and practice in education, and the political stakes and implications thereof. A musician/songwriter and father of three, Graham has relished his time at the Centre, and among such a diversity of scholars in the UBC Faculty of Education.

Ariana Barer is a first year MA student in the CCFI. Her research interests include the application of arts and technology in community education for social justice, with a particular focus on urban and rural youth coalitions. Ariana is pleased to be a part of the GAA team this year and is looking forward to meeting and working with the other CCFI students through our events and peer advising. Ariana is a huge fan of feminist radio, modern dance, and ukuleles.

Donnard MacKenzie is a first year doctoral student bringing with him over fifteen years in theatre as an actor/indy producer with many of the westocoat companies and is the co-founder of the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival and CineVic Society of Independent Filmmakers. Donnard's been nominated for a Jessie, Vancouver professional theatre award, for outstanding production of Blue Dragons with his project-based company Origins Theatre Projects. A recent MFA graduate of UBC's Creative Writing program with a specialty in Playwriting, he's also been published in Inside Entertainment for cultural affairs and more recently in UBC's Wreck Magazine. Plays he's produced combine an interest in social justice issues with a view for original, lyrical and entertaining theatre. His research interests include arts based inquiry, creative non-fiction and the intersections of identity and auto/biography in playwriting. He loves the beach, and open water swimming.