New
New
Year 11

What is the role of NGOs in responding to international crises?

I can explain the role of non-governmental organisations in responding to international crises.

New
New
Year 11

What is the role of NGOs in responding to international crises?

I can explain the role of non-governmental organisations in responding to international crises.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. NGOs are non-governmental organisations using varied strategies to address social, political and humanitarian issues.
  2. NGOs respond to crises by delivering aid and often work with global agencies like the WHO to save lives.
  3. The effectiveness of NGOs in crises depends on factors like funding, accountability and community reach.

Keywords

  • NGO - a non-profit, voluntary group that works locally, nationally, or internationally to achieve a specific aim; NGOs are independent from governments, but often work alongside them

  • Humanitarian assistance - providing help and support during emergencies such as natural disasters or conflicts

  • Social justice - a system where everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources, regardless of their background or identity

Common misconception

NGOs don’t get any government funding because they are non-governmental.

NGOs are independent of government control but can still receive government funding to help carry out important work.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What is the role of NGOs in responding to international crises?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Be mindful that some case studies, like the conflict in Gaza or safeguarding issues with NGOs, involve sensitive and potentially distressing topics. Encourage a respectful, open classroom atmosphere and be prepared to support pupils who may find these discussions challenging.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which international organisation is responsible for maintaining international peace and security?
Green Peace
Amnesty International
European Council
Correct answer: United Nations
Q2.
What do we call someone who has fled their country due to conflict or persecution?
Correct Answer: Refugee, a refugee
Q3.
Why do countries cooperate on international humanitarian issues?
they might win an award for their humanitarian efforts
to test their military strength during crises
it makes them look good on the world stage
Correct answer: global problems can affect entire regions making them unstable and dangerous
Q4.
What is the aim of international sanctions?
to promote global tourism
Correct answer: to pressure governments to change policy
to support a country's military
to improve trade links across the world
Q5.
What type of aid is about providing food, water and shelter after a disaster?
cultural aid
Correct answer: emergency aid
military aid
educational aid
Q6.
Match the sentence starter to its end.
Correct Answer:Hard power is,the ability of a state to influence others using force or coercion.

the ability of a state to influence others using force or coercion.

Correct Answer:Soft power is,the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion.

the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion.

Correct Answer:Effective means successful in,producing a desired or intended result.

producing a desired or intended result.

Correct Answer:A demonstration is a,public meeting or march protesting a specific issue.

public meeting or march protesting a specific issue.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their definitions.
Correct Answer:NGO,an organisation that operates independently of any government

an organisation that operates independently of any government

Correct Answer:humanitarian assistance,providing aid in times of disaster or conflict

providing aid in times of disaster or conflict

Correct Answer:social justice,working to address issues of inequality and discrimination

working to address issues of inequality and discrimination

Q2.
Which of these is an NGO?
Correct answer: Amnesty International
Department of Transport
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Greater Manchester Council
Q3.
Which NGO delivered life saving polio vaccinations in Gaza in early 2025?
Correct Answer: Save the Children
Q4.
Can NGOs receive government funding?
No, NGOs never get money from the Government.
Correct answer: Yes, NGOs can get government funding but stay independent.
Only government departments get public money.
Q5.
Which of these is an example of why an NGO is effective?
they might spend the money on other things
Correct answer: they can adapt quickly to the situation on the ground
NGOs often duplicate the work of each other
NGOs might run out of money
Q6.
Which of these is an example of why an NGO might be ineffective?
they are adaptable
they can work in communities directly
Correct answer: they might duplicate the work of each other
they can raise awareness of situations