The Union’s
The international work of the Union is just as much “union work” as representing members, negotiating with Local Authorities, organising school groups, running local meetings, campaigning and building broad education coalitions, building unity with other unions. In other words it is central and essential NUT work.
We are part
of a world of workers organised into Trade Unions and professional bodies. Our
section of that – teachers – are organised for the most part into Education International. Our problems and
programmes are similar in many ways, very different in others. But we always
have something to learn from each other’s experience. Sometimes we give more,
sometimes we take more in the exchange – but it is an exchange between equals.
I very
much believe that the Union’s international work should focus on, and have as
priorities, those areas of the world where we can make a difference, and where
we can learn most. A few examples…
Our work
together with our sister and brother teachers in South Africa against Apartheid
was very important work. Our role in the Middle East working with both
Palestinian and Israeli teachers for an end to violence, repression and
occupation, and for a just peace. Our role in Ethiopia in supporting the
teachers’ union and its officers through political repression and violent
attack. Our work with other European teachers’ organisations to prevent
education privatisation through the “European Services Directive”. Our work in
support of teachers and children in Cuba, against the illegal economic blockade
of the island by the USA, and in support of Cuba’s remarkable successes –
particularly in health and education.
It is this
latter work that I have been most involved in, through a Derbyshire
organisation called "Derbyshire's Cuba
Network"– the local branch of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. We have established
twinning arrangements with Camaguey, and arrange exchange visits between
Derbyshire and Camaguey province – building lasting links between people
(including teachers) and institutions (including schools)
Latin
America as a whole is embarking on major and dramatic change, and I hope to
encourage the Union to make this a focus for my Presidential year (2008-9).
Real democratic changes are being brought about in some countries – for example
Venezuela and Bolivia – while repression, death squads and grinding poverty
remain the norm in others. We need to do our bit in this.
Confident young people, proud of their schools and communities
Venezuela and Cuba - another world IS possible