What a great concept! These are on-line games for children from ages 3 to 18 and over, "that engage contemporary social issues in meaningful ways to foster a more just, equitable and/or tolerant society". The games criss-cross the globe, grouped under themes like Poverty, Public Health, Environment, Human Rights, Global Conflict. I found myself playing "3rd World Farmer" making choices on a virtual farm about crop types, livestock, trying to add a shed to the farm, worrying about disease -- and thinking, boy, this is a tough game to win. And then it struck me: this is not a game, this is reality for many millions! Games for Change has many others. "Against All Odds", designed by UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, makes you experience what it is like to be a refugee fleeing for your life. "Climate Challenge", played on the BBC's home page, is a fact based game where you make decisions to save the earth from catastrophe. For kids through teenagers and the other caring adults you know, Games for Change is a site to recommend.
What a great concept! These are on-line games for children from ages 3 to 18 and over, "that engage contemporary social issues in meaningful ways to foster a more just, equitable and/or tolerant society". The games criss-cross the globe, grouped under themes like Poverty, Public Health, Environment, Human Rights, Global Conflict. I found myself playing "3rd World Farmer" making choices on a virtual farm about crop types, livestock, trying to add a shed to the farm, worrying about disease -- and thinking, boy, this is a tough game to win. And then it struck me: this is not a game, this is reality for many millions! Games for Change has many others. "Against All Odds", designed by UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, makes you experience what it is like to be a refugee fleeing for your life. "Climate Challenge", played on the BBC's home page, is a fact based game where you make decisions to save the earth from catastrophe. For kids through teenagers and the other caring adults you know, Games for Change is a site to recommend.