Event Reflection: Ordinary Solidarities
On Thursday, March 28, 2024, Professor Zeena Zakharia hosted an insightful event titled "Ordinary Solidarities: Toward an Anticolonial and Antiracist Agenda in Global Education Governance." The event delved into the critical role of global education governance and the significant contributions of local and refugee-led organizations in supporting refugee education.
One of the central themes of Professor Zakharia's lecture was the prevalent power imbalances within global education governance and humanitarian efforts. Drawing from her research on the immense challenges faced by forcibly displaced people, particularly Syrian refugees in Lebanon, she explored the power dynamics within global education governance.
An illustrative example highlighted how a faith school in Lebanon, despite limited resources, initiated a refugee education response to accommodate an influx of Syrian children. By prioritizing care over saviorism, fostering empathy, and challenging power imbalances, the faith school exemplified how grassroots efforts can create meaningful and sustainable educational opportunities for marginalized communities.
The concept of "ordinary solidarities" emerged as a compelling framework for reimagining humanitarian interventions through an anti-colonial lens. By emphasizing the importance of grassroots partnerships and mutual learning, Professor Zakharia challenged traditional notions of aid that often perpetuate existing power dynamics. Instead, she advocated for a shift towards inclusive practices that prioritize trust, respect, and genuine collaboration.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the vital role of ordinary solidarities in countering systemic injustices, advocating for inclusive, equitable, and rights-based interventions to forge meaningful partnerships and support education in times of crisis.
You can view the video of the lecture here.
About the Author:
Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.
