Several days ago, we posted an announcement of the death of F. Champion Ward with links to some of the obituaries commemorating his life.Several of my colleagues who knew him felt that more information was required, calling him one of the great men in the history of international education. Several of us on the Board of Directors of Americans for UNESCO got considerable boosts in our careers from the Ford Foundation when he was in charge of its education program.
As a further tribute to his memory, let us recommend a report to which he was a (if not the) major contributor:
Report by the International Commission on the Development of Education
Faure, E., Herrera, F., Kaddoura, A-R, Lopes, H., Petrovsky, A.V., Rahnema,
M., & Champion Ward, F. (1972). Learning to Be: The World of Education
Today and Tomorrow. Paris: UNESCO.
This was a truly influential book. Here is its abstract (from the ERIC database):
The report of the International Commission on the Development of Education aims to assist governments in formulating national strategies for the development of education in a changing universe. Emphasis is upon the need for an international community which reflects common problems, trends, and goals; the promotion of democracy through education; the opportunity of every individual for self actualization; and the need for life-long education. The book is arranged into three major parts: Findings, Futures, and Towards a Learning Society. The first part traces the past roots and development of education; examines educational practice today; identifies the needs, resources, and means for education; and suggests a basic reconsideration of educational structures and concepts. The second part examines the challenges of education, including progress in science and technology which offer great potential and knowledge but contribute to problems concerning the distribution of wealth, environmental destruction, and threats against justice. Focus is upon pedagogic discoveries. Aims of education work toward a scientific humanism, social commitment, creativity, and the complete man. The last part examines the role and functions of educational strategy, elements for contemporary strategy, and ways to build solidarity among all countries. (SJM)