Junior School

Global Citizenship Reading Challenge

Over the course of Term 2, our Year 7 students read a range of novels in preparation for their Term 4 topic in Integrated Studies – Global Citizenship. Through immersing themselves in these stories, students learnt about the hardship other people experience, as well the characteristics that define us, no matter where we’re from – courage, resilience and finding a voice to say and do what’s right.

At the start of this term, students prepared a range of creative oral presentations to share the insights they’d gained. Their English teachers were impressed with not only the creative and engaging ways students chose to review and recommend their novel, but also the empathy with which they discussed the stories of people who, although fictional, reflect the lived experience of many.

One students presentation is included below:

Dear Mr. Navuni, 

I’m going to tell you why I enjoyed the book Parvana so much and why I reckon you will enjoy this book, so sit back, relax and prepare to be persuaded. 

Parvana is about an 11-year-old girl named Parvana and the risks she takes to help provide for her family after the Taliban takes control of Afghanistan. Because she is the only family member able to pass as a male, she cuts her hair, making it shorter and dresses as a boy so she can work and make money for the family.   

The most engaging or shocking part of the story for me was when the Taliban invaded Parvana’s home, assaulted her dad, took him to prison, and then beat her mother. They destroyed the books her family owned, which to me just shows how destructive the Taliban was. This book taught me how badly the Taliban treated Afghans and how hard it is to live in Afghanistan. My gratitude for average, daily things has grown as this book has shown me how other people have so little and how spoilt I really am.  

But enough about me, here is why I believe you would really enjoy Parvana…you really like fiction and its fairylands but imagine reading about something that is fiction but is still realistic. You can enjoy the fictional part of the story but still learn about things that are happening around the world. Your gratitude will grow, and your attitude will change for the good. Whether you read the book or watch the movie, The Bread Winner, you will gain so much knowledge and gratitude.  

So, what are you doing still reading this letter? Go and read Parvana or watch the movie The Bread Winner! I hope you enjoy! 

Ned Pauli (Year 7, Rutter House)