Desmond Tutu and Rigoberta Menchu Tum

Se eye ndzeye pa enum yi a, na eye barima
Gather the five virtues, then you are a man.

Akan Proverb

The more people know their own rights, and the more they respect those of others, the better the change that they will live together in peace. Only when people are educated about human rights can we hope to prevent human rights violations, and thus prevent conflict, as well.

Kofi Annan, Secretary-General United Nations

Grade Level 3-12
History • Language Arts

Throughout history the fight for justice has taken many different forms. Sometimes those attempting to right a wrong have risked their lives. Other times they have picketed, organized boycotts, or battled injustices -- whatever form the fight assumes -- means having the courage to speak up for what we believe in is right. Drawing on his days in the classrooms and on the playing fields of Ghana, Kofi Annan, pursues a moral vision for enforcing world peace. "Se eye ndzeye pa enum yi a, na eye barima (Gather the five virtues, then you are a man)." It is those five virtues that have made him very centered, very secure. The five virtues are dignity, confidence, courage, compassion, and faith.

United Nations

United Nations Resource Guide

A Window on the World

Universal Voices: An Internet Guide for Human Rights Education

Speak Truth to Power

Face to Face

Architects of Peace Lesson Plan