Планирование уроков по английскому языку

19. People set up different organizations for various purposes. What do you know about these organiza­tions? Are you a member of any organization? Which organization would you join? Why?

The 20th century is characterized by the creation of international organizations: only a small number of the international organizations now in existence were formed before 1850, and about 90% were orga­nized in the period 1900-1956. In the 1980s there were more than 2500 international organizations, of which about 750 were formed af­ter World War II. This number included more than 130 intergovern­mental agencies, of which the most notable were the United Nations and its affiliates.

The name United Nations was devised by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of 1 January 1942, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against Germany, Ja­pan and Italy. The Charter of the United Nations was signed by 51 states on 26 June 1945. This day is now celebrated each year through­out the world as United Nations Day. Russia is a member of the United Nations.

A specialized agency of the United Nations is UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It was founded in 1946. It promotes international collaboration in education, science and culture. Education is UNESCO's main activity. The orga­nization attempts to assist and support national efforts of member states in eliminating illiteracy, training teachers, developing educational in­stitutions and extending free education. UNESCO also works to study, develop and promote cultural heritage and protect historic monuments and the natural environment. UNESCO assists and supports the efforts of member states through conferences, seminars and publications, through the promotion of research and exchange of information and knowledge.

Now I'd like to tell you about the World Health Organization (WHO). It began its activities in 1948. It is a specialized agency designed to further international cooperation for improved health conditions. The major function of the WHO is to establish measures for the control of epidemic diseases. This consists of mass campaigns promoted by WHO against communicable diseases. The major function of WHO is nurs­ing concerned with maternal and child health. It also assists educa­tional programmes for nurses and assistants. WHO is. coordinating an international effort against Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as well as the current threat of SARS.

Another medical organization is the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The Red Cross is an humanitarian agency with national affiliates in almost every country in the world. The Red Cross movement began in 1863. Its peacetime activities include first aid, accident preven­tion, water safety, training of nurses' aids and mothers' assistants and maintenance of maternal and child welfare centres, clinics, blood banks and numerous other services. The Red Cross is the name used in Christian countries; the Red Crescent is the name used in Muslim countries.

Greenpeace is an international nongovernmental organization dedi­cated to preserving endangered species of animals, preventing envi­ronmental abuses and taking care of wildlife. Greenpeace was founded in 1971 in Vancouver, Canada. It brought together people concerned with terrible abuses to the environment. The organization has a small staff and relies largely on voluntary staffing and funding. Greenpeace also campaigns:

• for stricter control over chemical waste disposal on land;

• to stop all nuclear weapons tests;

• to close down nuclear power stations and nuclear reprocessing plants;

• to stop acid rain and protect the atmosphere;

• to reduce the trade in endangered species products;

• to declare Antarctica a World Park - free of military and industrial exploitation, and so forth.

Today it is a global organization with national offices in 27 coun­tries, one of them is in Russia (since 1992).

There are also youth organizations, because the main aim of society is to prepare young people for responsible roles in the adult world and to provide constructive outlets for energies of young people. Some or­ganizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or Guides, and Young Men's Christian Association and Young Women's Christian Associa­tions, have spread all over the world. The Boy Scout movement was founded in Great Britain in 1908. In 1910 the Girl Scout movement was also founded in that country. There are about 1,300,000 boys and girls in them. The movement of the Boy Scouts has its aim to help a Scout (a boy from 8-18) to develop into a good man and a useful citi­zen. He must be able to handle sails, to use a compass, to lay and light a fire outdoors, he must know first aid and develop his interest in mu­sic, literature, drama, arts and films. A Scout is a friend to animals, he's "clean in thought, word and deed". He must obey the Scout Law.

The Girl Guides Association includes girls from 7 to 21. The programme of training is planned to develop intelligence and practical skills, including cookery, needlework and childcare. The training and the ideals are much the same as those of the Boy Scouts. Like a Scout, a Girl Guide must be a friend to animals. She must be "pure in thoughts and deed". She must be loyal to God and the Queen.

As for me, I'm not a member of any organization. But if I had chance, I would become a Scout, because I like the aims of this organization and the ways they are achieved.

Questions:

1. What is the 21 st century characterized by?

2. When did the greatest number of international organizations ap­peared?

3. How many international organizations were there in the 1980s?

4. What do you know about the United Nations?

5. What do you know about the UNESCO?

6. What do you know about medical organizations?

7. What do you know about Greenpeace?

8. What youth organizations do you know?

9. What is the Boy Scouts movement?

10. What is the Girl Guides Association?