Africa and the United Nations

Grade 12 · History

Semester 2 | Period 5 | Week 25

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Subject: History

Semester: 2

Period: 5

Week: 25

School Name: ____________________________
Teacher’s Name: __________________________
Subject: History
Grade Level: Grade 12
Date: __________________________
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Term: Week 25, Period V

Topic: Africa and the United Nations
Sub-topic: Overview of the UN, Africa’s Initial Involvement, Importance of the UN to Africa

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the formation, purpose, and structure of the United Nations.
  2. Discuss Africa’s initial involvement in the UN.
  3. Analyze the importance of the UN to African nations.

 

Previous Knowledge

Students already know:

  • About the League of Nations and its failure.
  • The history of World War II and its global impact.

 

Instructional Materials

  • Textbook: Senior Secondary History of Africa (Liberia curriculum recommended).
  • Teaching aids: World map, UN emblem chart, projector/flashcards of UN organs.
  • Students' notebooks and writing materials.

 

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Activity:

  • Teacher asks students:
  1. "What do you think countries do when they want to solve problems that affect all of them, like wars or diseases?"
  2. "Have you heard of the United Nations before? What comes to mind when you hear it?"

Teacher’s Role:

  • Record their responses on the board, clarifying ideas.
  • Correct misconceptions about the UN (e.g., it is not only for powerful countries).

Learners’ Role:

  • Share their ideas freely.
  • Participate actively in discussion.

 

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes**

Teacher’s Role & Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  1. Formation of the UN (1945):
    • After WWII, world leaders created the UN to prevent future wars.
    • Signed in San Francisco, 24 October 1945 (now UN Day).
    • Started with 51 member countries.
  2. Purpose of the UN:
    • Maintain peace and security.
    • Promote human rights.
    • Foster social and economic development.
    • Provide humanitarian aid.
  3. Structure of the UN (major organs):
    • General Assembly: Every country has one vote.
    • Security Council: Maintains peace (5 permanent members, 10 non-permanent).
    • International Court of Justice: Handles legal disputes.
    • ECOSOC: Focus on development.
    • Secretariat: Administrative arm.
  4. Africa’s Initial Involvement in the UN:
    • At formation in 1945, Ethiopia, Liberia, Egypt, and South Africa were the only African members (most others were still under colonial rule).
    • Liberia and Ethiopia were especially important as independent African voices.
  5. Importance of the UN to Africa:
    • Helped African nations achieve independence (e.g., resolutions supporting decolonization).
    • Provided peacekeeping forces during civil wars (e.g., UNMIL in Liberia).
    • Supports health programs (WHO fight against Ebola & COVID-19).
    • Promotes human rights and education (UNESCO, UNICEF).

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  • Take notes during teacher’s explanation.
  • Study a map showing African countries’ membership in 1945 vs. today.
  • Engage in small group discussion: “Why do you think only four African countries were members at the beginning?”
  • Role-play activity: One group acts as African delegates in 1945, presenting why they should be part of the UN.

 

Assessment Checks (During Lesson):

  • Teacher asks oral questions like:
  1. "Name the African countries that were founding members of the UN."
  2. "What is the difference between the General Assembly and Security Council?"
  3. "How has the UN been important to Africa?"

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)

Time: 5–10 minutes

Summary:

  • The UN was founded in 1945 after WWII.
  • Africa was represented initially by only four countries.
  • The UN is important for Africa’s peace, development, health, and independence.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):

  • Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short answers to:
  1. State the year the UN was founded.
  2. List any two African founding members of the UN.
  3. Mention two benefits of the UN to Africa.

Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding.

 

Assignment (Expanded):

  1. Draw the UN emblem and label it.
  2. Write a half-page note on “Why was it important for Liberia and Ethiopia to be among the first African members of the UN?”
  3. Research and bring one example of a UN project that has helped Africa (e.g., UNICEF, WHO, UNMIL).

 

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies

  • Struggling Learners: Use guided notes with key points already filled in.
  • Advanced Learners: Ask them to research how the UN Security Council’s structure affects Africa.
  • Students with Disabilities: Provide printed handouts with enlarged text and visual aids.

 

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)

  • What worked well? ___________________________________________
  • What needs improvement? ____________________________________
  • Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low
  • Next steps: Reinforce Africa’s growing role in the UN in the next lesson.