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The PULSE: Poverty & Education in Africa

Poverty & Education in Africa, a Conversation with
Actor Djimon Hounsou from Mozambique

Date: Due to a conflict in Djimon's shooting schedule, we will be postponing both Poverty & Education in Africa events. This program will be rescheduled shortly.
Grades: 7 - 12
Topics: Current Events, Social Studies, Africa, Geography

During this special GNG PULSE program, Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou will lead a discussion with students from the U.S. on the issue of global poverty and access to education. Hounsou, who grew up in the West-African country of Benin and experienced the effects of poverty first-hand, will share his personal story, explain the current poverty crisis in Africa and provide suggestions for action that students can take.

The videoconference accompanies many recent celebrity initiatives to increase awareness of extreme poverty. According to the UN, 1/5 of the world lives in poverty, meaning they do not have the materials and resources to fulfill their basic needs, including, health care, clothing, food and education. Poverty and lack of access to education are directly related—for example, poverty rates for high school drop-outs is 3 times higher then poverty rates among high-school graduates.

Join us for this Special GNG PULSE from Africa as we explore the issues of poverty and education in-depth.

About Djimon Hounsou:
Djimon was born in Benin in West Africa. At the age of 13, he moved to France with his brother to pursue his education. He lived on the streets of Paris for over a year until fashion designer Thierry Mugler discovered him and he began a career as a fashion model, then actor.

Hounsou is best known for his starring role in Amistad and major supporting roles in Gladiator and The Island. In 2004, he became the first African to be nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role in the film In America. He is currently shooting a film with Leonardo DiCaprio in Mozambique entitled Blood Diamonds. The film tells the story of a smuggler who specializes in the sale of diamonds in Sierra Leone circa 1999. During his free time he lends his support to Oxfam and has traveled on fact-finding missions in Mali and Mozambique.

Curriculum:

Poverty Introduction:
United Nations CyberSchoolBus Introduction to Poverty

Poverty & Education:
United Nations CyberSchoolBus Introduction to Education

News Articles:
UN Launches New Programme for Girls' Education in Africa
Massive Teacher Shortages

Websites:
Global Campaign for Education
Oxfam America

Disclaimer: Mr. Hounsou is presently shooting a film titled Blood Diamonds in Mozambique with Leonardo DiCaprio. There is a remote chance of a scheduling conflict on the day of the event, should a conflict arise the program may be postponed.