Activities

• Below are nine statements about debt. Arrange them in a diamond shape, putting the one you most strongly agree with at the top, the next two in a row, then three in a row then two and finally the one you least agree with (or most disagree with) at the bottom. Look at your diamond. Write an explanation of why you have arranged things in this order. Discuss your diamond with other members of your class - do they agree with your diamond or are theirs different? What do you agree or disagree about? Can you convince them of your point of view - or can they convince you of theirs?

a) The world’s poorest countries should pay off their debts regardless of the consequences.
b) Developing countries will never have a chance if they are forced to pay back all their debt.
c) The debt crisis affects all of us.
d) It is morally wrong to default (not pay back) on a debt.
e) Most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have already paid back their debts several times over.
f) Rich countries are entitled to be paid back.
g) Today’s generation should not be held responsible for the mistakes of yesterday’s leaders.
h) Debt is a major cause of environmental degradation.
i) Poverty cannot be eliminated without debt cancellation.

• Design a poster to illustrate the problem of World Debt and poverty.

• Write a letter (or send an e-mail) to your Member of Parliament, or Member of the European Parliament (your local library will have the addresses) explaining what you think about the problems of World Debt and poverty, and what you think should be done. Ask your MP what he or she thinks about this issue and what they are doing about it.

• Organise a school assembly on the topic of World Debt and poverty.

• Play 'The Debt Game' in your classroom (details on the 'Just Business' website below) to get an understanding of what debt means for ordinary people and for governments.

• Examine the labels in your own and your classmates clothing. Make a list of all the different countries your clothes were made in. This will show you that you live in a global economic system. If debt was cancelled, and trade between rich and poor countries conducted fairly, there would be no need for aid because everybody would be able to make a decent living.