Hello everyone.

My name is Ms. Wyatt and I am so pleased that you could be here today for our lesson.

Welcome to today's lesson on why do changemakers play an important role in democracy from the unit, "How can citizens bring about change?" By the end of today's lesson, you will be able to explain the role of a changemaker in a democracy and give examples of what changemakers have achieved globally.

We have two keywords that we will be using in today's lesson, and these words are changemaker and democracy.

So a changemaker is someone who wants change in the world and by gathering knowledge and resources makes that change happen.

And democracy is a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf.

These keywords may be new to you today, but please don't worry as I'm here to guide you.

Our lesson is broken up into two parts today.

The first part looking at what is a changemaker, and then the final part, we will explore what have changemakers achieved globally.

So when you're ready, let's start the first part of today's lesson by looking at what is a changemaker.

A changemaker is someone who wants change in the world and by gathering knowledge and resources makes that change happen.

A changemaker is someone who imagines a new reality, takes action and collaborates with others to bring that new reality into the being for the good of others.

Activists can be described as changemakers that make a difference at a local, national, or global level.

An activist is someone who takes action to change something for the good of society.

So, so far what we know is that a changemaker is a person who wants to change something in the world, and so they will do what they can by gathering knowledge and resources to make that change happen.

So they take action and they work with others to make that change.

Now we know that it can be done at a local level, a national level, or a global level.

It is not just the media that can hold people in power to account, citizens can too Changemakers are citizens who identify problems, advocate for solutions, and often inspire others to take action.

They can work in various fields, including activism, policymaking, business and community leadership.

So they can work in lots of different areas.

So let's check our understanding.

What is someone who takes action to change something for the good of society calls? What is that word? What are they called if they take action to change something for the good of society? Pause the video and make your decision from our list.

Okay, so, is it A, isolationist, B, tourist or C, activist? Hopefully we all said it is C, activist.

Well done if we did.

In a democracy, changemakers play a critical role by acting as agents of progress and accountability.

Their contributions include advocacy and awareness.

So changemakers raise awareness about societal issues that may otherwise be overlooked.

By raising awareness, they help bring critical topics to the public and encourage active citizenship, which is a vital part of democracy.

So in a democracy, changemakers play a very important role, and one thing that they do do is they raise awareness and they advocate for societal issues.

Their contributions also include policy influence.

So changemakers advocate for reforms, which changes to policy, often working with legislators, lobbying for specific laws or using public pressure to demand change.

They make sure that democracy evolves to meet the needs of its citizens.

That last sentence there, when it says they make sure that democracy evolves to meet the needs of its citizens just means that it is keeping up to date and it is changing to fit the needs of those people living in democracy.

Their contribution also includes amplifying voices.

So, they give a platform to underrepresented groups, making sure that diverse perspectives are heard in decision-making processes and representative democracy can take place.

So making sure that those voices that might not necessarily be heard often are being heard.

They also contribute by holding power accountable.

So changemakers act as a checking system by challenging abuses of power, corruption or negligence within government institutions or corporations so democracy can be effective.

And encouraging citizenship.

So changemakers inspire others to participate in democratic processes, such as voting, volunteering, or joining local campaigns.

They also drive innovation.

So changemakers often bring creative, forward-thinking solutions to complex problems. They often use new technologies, artificial intelligence or AI tools, research or unconventional strategies to push boundaries.

They also are concerned with community building.

Many changemakers focus on strengthening local communities by addressing issues like inequality, education and healthcare.

They encourage collective working and mutual support among citizens which allows democracy to work effectively.

So, changemakers have a lot of contributions.

So what do changemakers encourage? Let's check our understanding so far.

Is it A, corruption in institutions; B, active citizenship; C, unequal communities; or D, passive citizenship? Pause the video and have a think about this question and choose an answer from the list given.

Okay, so let's have our answers now then.

So what did changemakers encourage? Hopefully we recognise from this list that they encourage active citizenship.

Well done if you notice that.

An example of a changemaker that is using innovation in her work is Nzambi Matee.

Nzambi is an entrepreneur from Kenya who has developed a machine in 2017 that transforms plastic waste into durable, affordable construction bricks.

How cool is that? Her innovation helps to reduce pollution and provide sustainable building materials; solving two major problems with one creative solution.

In a democracy, changemakers act as the bridge between the people and the institutions of power, making sure that governments respond to the needs of their citizens.

This bridge also encourage an inclusive, fair and equal society.

So, changemakers can be seen as sort of bridge.

They act as the bridge between people and those in power, making sure that the government is responding and listening to the needs of their citizens.

So who might changemakers contact to make changes in a democracy? Let's think about this for a second.

Who might changemakers contact to make changes in a democracy? Local counsellors, members of parliament or MPs, government ministers, peers, police, local charities, non-governmental organisations or NGOs, campaign, pressure and protest groups, social movements, volunteers and metro mayors.

And they are directly elected mayors.

So, they might contact a load of different people from different areas in the democracy.

Andeep says, "I'd be too scared to contact my MP." I wonder if any of you feel the same about this.

Do you feel the same as Andeep? Sophia says, "That's what MPs are there for, Andeep.

They represent their local constituents.

We can lobby them and contact them via phone, email, letter, or their website.

To be a changemaker, you need to have the confidence to be able to contact people in positions of power." So Sophia telling Andeep not to be scared, and also to be a changemaker you've got to have the confidence to be able to contact the correct people.

So let's have a go filling in these missing words.

So in a democracy, blank, act as the bridge between the people and the institutions of, blank, making sure that governments respond to the needs of the citizens.

So, we have two missing words here.

Can we pause the video and have a think about what our two missing words could be? Good luck.

Okay, so our first missing word is changemakers.

So in a democracy, changemakers act as the bridge between the people and the institutions of power, making sure that governments respond to the needs of their citizens.

So well done if you recognise that our first word was changemakers and our second missing word was power.

well done, you.

Jun has been asked to describe what a changemaker is, but has got a bit confused.

Rewrite his answer so it is accurate.

So let's read through Jun's answer first.

So Jun says, "A changemaker is a person who doesn't help bring change to society.

They are usually a politician or a person with power.

They bridge the gap between the public as a whole and individuals.

Changemakers usually work on their own to make a real difference in the local or national community, but not the global one." So hopefully we can spot straight away where Jun's got a little bit confused.

So, what we need to do is rewrite Jun's answer to make sure it's accurate when he has to have a go at describing what a changemaker is.

So pause the video now and try and help Jun out.

Okay, so hopefully we've all had a go now at rewriting Jun's answer so that it is accurate.

So our answer might have said something along the lines of, "A changemaker is a person who helps bring lasting change to society.

They are usually an individual who, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen.

Changemakers bridge the gap between the public as a whole and the people in power, for example, MPs or local counsellors.

Working collaboratively, changemakers make a real difference in local, national and global communities." So well done if you noticed where Jun had got confused on his description of a changemaker, and well done if you managed to put it right.

We have now looked at what is a changemaker, and we're going to move on now to what have changemakers achieved globally.

There are changemakers all over the world that have made changes to either policies, laws, or processes.

Changemakers have globally made changes in every area of society.

Changemakers make a huge difference in improving societies by taking on important issues like human rights, protecting the environment, and encouraging fairness and peace.

Actions by changemakers often lead to real results, like changing laws, improving how companies work, helping local communities grow or all of the above.

By standing up to unfair systems, changemakers give a voice to people who might otherwise not be heard and can come up with ideas that can make life better for everyone.

Anyone can be a changemaker, including you.

How exciting is that to know that we can all be changemakers.

We can all become changemakers if we have the determination to succeed in changing something we think is unjust or wrong.

So if we think something's an issue, we think something's unfair in society, then, if we have the right confidence and determination, then we can have a go at changing that.

So let's consider, what could we achieve as changemakers in the world today? Have a think to yourself just for a minute and think, "What could I achieve as a changemaker in the world today? Maybe working with certain people, but what would I like to see change?" So what do changemakers not do? Is it A, improve how companies work; B, change government laws; or C, give up their cause easily? Pause the video and make your decision from our list.

Okay, time for answers.

So changemakers do not give up their cause easily.

They don't.

They're determined and they're hardworking.

Well done if you got that right.

The best way to see what can be achieved as a changemaker is to look at some examples.

So we're gonna have a look at some examples of people in history and people that are quite current as well to see what has been changed.

So there are famous examples of changemakers, like Martin Luther King Jr.

who helped change discrimination laws in America, or Malala Yousafzai who has raised global awareness about children's right to access to education because of what happened to those two people.

So can you think of any examples of changemakers which are less well-known? You might have heard about Martin Luther King Jr.

and Malala Yousafzai maybe in your history lessons or your religious studies lessons, but can we think of any examples that are less well-known? Maybe some local examples of changemakers.

So Boyan Slat is a Dutch inventor and changemaker, and he founded the Ocean Cleanup at the age of 18 in the Netherlands in 2013.

Slat developed innovative technology to remove plastic from oceans.

His efforts have led to the removal of hundreds of tonnes of ocean waste, raising global awareness about marine pollution and inspiring governments to address plastic waste.

He was only 18 years old when he started to develop this technology to remove plastic from oceans.

By using digital media and online campaigns, Boyan Slat not only raise funds but also inspired millions of people to care about ocean plastic pollution, turning his vision into a global social movement.

Campaign methods Boyan Slat used that relied on digital media and online campaigning includes crowdfunding.

So Slat raised over $2 million in 100 days through an online crowdfunding campaign, engaging supporters from more than 160 countries.

Social media; different platforms help spread awareness through regular updates and striking visuals.

Viral videos; high quality videos explaining the Ocean Cleanup's mission reached millions on social media.

Collaborations with influencers.

So partnerships with environmental influencers amplified the message and attracted a wider audience.

Website and educational content; the Ocean Cleanup website provided updates, statistics, and educational resources to inform and engage the public.

Data and transparency.

So sharing progress data online built trust with supporters and showed measurable impact.

And finally, engagement with the media.

So digital campaigns drew media attention, bringing the project into spotlight globally.

So what was Boyan Slat's digital campaign called? Was it The Sea Cleanup, The Sea Clearup, The Ocean Cleanup or The Ocean Clean? Pause the video and make your decision.

Okay, it's time for answers now.

So Boyan Slat's digital campaign was called, C, The Ocean Cleanup.

Well done if we got that right.

Changemakers in a democracy can be part of charities, NGOs, or other campaign groups.

Amnesty International introduced the Troll Patrol in 2018.

The NGO used AI to track and analyse online abuse against women on a popular social media platform.

The data from Amnesty International's campaign pressured the social media platform to implement stricter policies on online harassment and improve its moderation techniques.

The NGO's advocacy influence global conversations about the responsibility of technology companies in tackling online abuse.

This shows the level of influence changemakers can have on the world and the excellent achievements they can make in our local, national and global communities.

So true or false, Amnesty International introduced the Troll Patrol to advocate for stricter policies on online harassment on social media.

Is that true or is it false? Hopefully we're all shouting true at me.

Are changemakers always adults? Well, Leah Namugerwa is a young changemaker from Uganda, Africa who started campaigning when she was only a teenager.

In 2019, for her 15th birthday, Leah chose to plant 200 trees instead of having a party, and for her 16th, she planted 500 trees.

She has subsequently founded the Birthday Trees project.

This initiative provides seedlings to those who wish to celebrate their birthday by planting trees.

Leah has also petitioned the Ugandan government to ban plastic bags.

As a result, parts of Uganda have seen plastic bag bans introduced.

Leah's changemaking efforts have also led to increased environmental awareness and local action on plastic pollution.

As a young changemaker, she has had a lasting impact in her national community.

So we can see from Leah that changemakers aren't always adults.

Leah has also spoke directly on the world stage to people in power about climate change in 2022.

Leah's speech at the opening ceremony of the World Leader Summit at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, emphasised the need for everyone to take responsibility to improve the environment.

As a dynamic changemaker, she is inspiring others, including world leaders, to take important action.

Leah also uses social media as a changemaker.

She uses it to raise awareness.

So Leah uses social media platforms to share information about climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and other environmental issues affecting Uganda and the world.

Mobilised support; so through hashtags and direct calls to action, she encourages people, especially young activists, to participate in climate strikes, tree-planting campaigns and policy advocacy.

And shares success stories.

Leah regularly posts updates on her activism like the number of trees planted or meetings with policy makers, to inspire others and show progress in her campaigns.

So she uses social media as a big tool to be a changemaker.

Leah also uses her social media and her online presence for advocating for policy change.

Leah tags government officials and institutions, urging them to take climate action.

Her online petitions and advocacy campaigns allows the youth to have a voice and demand better environmental policies.

Engaging with global activists; Leah meets with other climate activists, like Greta Thunberg, and international organisations to exchange ideas and gain global support for local climate initiatives.

And using visual content; sharing images and videos from her climate strike, speeches and tree-planting events, Leah makes her message more engaging and impactful.

So let's fill in the missing words here.

Leah Namugerwa is a young changemaker who leads the, blank, project and has petitioned the Ugandan government to ban, something, bags.

So what are our two blanks here? Can we work out what the missing words are? Pause the video and let's have a go at filling in the missing words.

Okay, so the first missing word is Birthday Trees, and then the next missing word is plastic.

So altogether we should have, "Leah Namurgerwa is a young changemaker who leads the Birthday Trees project and has petitioned Ugandan government to ban plastic bags." Well done if you managed to fill in the missing words.

So, what I would like us to do now is to explain what two changemakers have achieved in the world and how they campaign for change.

So in your first paragraph, you could write about Boyan Slat and in your second, Leah Namurgerwa.

They are two great examples of changemakers.

So explain what these two changemakers have achieved in the world and how they campaigned for it.

Pause the video and have fun at this task.

Okay, so your answer might have included some of the following: "Boyan Slat is a Dutch changemaker who created the Ocean Cleanup in 2013 to tackle plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

He invented a system to collect ocean plastic waste and used online campaigns to raise awareness and funding for his project.

Through social media, crowdfunding and sharing powerful videos, Boyan got people from around the world to support his idea and he raised $2 million in 100 days.

His work has already removed thousands of tonnes of plastic from the ocean and inspired action on a global scale.

Leah Namurgerwa is a young climate justice activist and changemaker from Uganda.

In 2019, when she was only 15, she started planting trees and raising awareness about climate change, and subsequently founded the Birthday Trees project.

This project encourages others to celebrate their birthday by planting trees, just as she does.

Her changemaking efforts have also led to plastic bags being banned in parts of Uganda.

Leah successfully uses social media to share her message and her speech at the opening of COP27 in 2022 encouraged everyone to play their part in protecting the environment.

As a dynamic changemaker, Leah inspires others, including young people and world leaders, to take important environmental action." So we wrote about Boyan Slat first and the Ocean Cleanup, and then we wrote about Leah, who is also a changemaker with her Birthday Trees project.

Well done if you also did the same and managed to include some statistics.

We have now come to the end of the lesson on why do changemakers play an important role in democracy? Now, I'm gonna summarise our lesson into a few points for us.

So a changemaker is someone who wants change in the world and by gathering knowledge and resources makes that change happen.

Changemakers play an important role in democracy because they influence policy, amplify voices, hold people in power to accounts, encourage active citizenship, drive innovation, build communities, and take part in advocacy and raising awareness of important issues.

Changemakers have made a huge difference in improving societies by taking on important issues like human rights, protecting the environment, and encouraging fairness.

Many young changemakers use online campaigning methods to support their efforts, including Boyan Slat and Leah Namurgerwa.

So, I have really enjoyed learning with you today, and I hope you have too.

Thank you for your efforts, and I will see you in the next one.