Comics
Using comics to educate for the rule of law
Comics can have a transformative power to help young learners better understand some of today's most crucial threats to justice and the rule of law and to grasp the most pressing global crime problems. With their universal visual language and ability to engage, comics offer a unique opportunity to address complex issues and enhance literacy skills.
E4J created San Servolo - a series of three comics focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The comic series was developed with the aim of providing educators with a resource that resonates with students' personal interests and identities and increases their investment in learning about global challenges to the rule of law.
The comic series seeks to make topics such as corruption, organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking and migrant smuggling accessible and engaging for secondary level students through the world of comics. In San Servolo, these issues come together in a dystopian reality and are embedded in a unique story that is told through the eyes of two adolescents.
The story of San Servolo
The nearly four million inhabitants of San Servolo island are getting ready for a historic celebration: the first year with a zero-crime rate. This achievement was the result of policies implemented by Sejaun Tiruud, the young and bold leader who came to power after a deep economic crisis that resulted in profound social discontent, public anger taking to the streets and a rising tide of crime.
Tiago Sayab (19, economics student) and Belen Sayab (17, robotic and programming enthusiast) are two Servoline siblings who experienced the social transformation of the island during their formative years. They take a great deal of pride in being part of a new way of living in peace. While preparing for the "Air and Fire Festival", a shocking discovery sets in motion a series of events that will change San Servolo forever.
High-quality print-ready files for download
Resources for using comics in the classroom
- Comics Uniting Nations - A large collection of comics on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- A summary of studies supporting the use of comics in education and other useful educator resources are available from Reading With Pictures.
- Jabari Sellars, Building reading comprehension and literary analysis - with help from the X-Men.
- Michelle Manno, Comics in the Classroom: Why Comics?
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