Robert Blackburn (educationalist) facts for kids

Robert Blackburn (born September 26, 1927 – died July 16, 1990) was an Irish educationalist. This means he was an expert in education. He was one of the first people to support the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). He also helped start the first United World College (UWC) in the early 1960s. In 1968, Blackburn became the International Secretary for the United World Colleges.

Robert Blackburn's Journey in Education

Robert Blackburn was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He went to school at St. Columba's College in Dublin. Later, in 1946, he studied History at Trinity College in Dublin. He was a very good student and even won a special award called a gold medal. He was also the captain of his college rugby team.

While at college, Blackburn was active in the United Nations Association. This group works to support the United Nations. Here, he met his future wife, Esther Archer.

Early Teaching Career and World Citizenship

Blackburn began his teaching career at Downside School in England. In 1954, he moved to Merchant Taylors' School. During this time, he continued his work with the United Nations Association. He also worked with the Council for Education in World Citizenship. This group helped people learn about being good global citizens. He even helped in refugee camps, showing his care for people around the world.

Helping Start United World Colleges

In 1962, Robert Blackburn became a leader at a new school called Atlantic College. This school was in South Wales and was the very first United World College. Blackburn believed these colleges could help break down barriers between different countries. He said their goal was to show that "internationalism can be made effective" for young people. This meant helping students from different countries learn and live together.

Leading the United World College Movement

In 1968, Blackburn became the International Secretary for the United World College organization. He worked closely with Lord Mountbatten, who was the president of the organization. They traveled to many countries, especially those connected to the Commonwealth. Their goal was to set up local groups that would help create new UWC colleges. During Blackburn's time, three more UWC colleges were started.

Blackburn also used his connections to organize charity concerts. Famous performers like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Leonard Bernstein took part. These events helped raise money for the colleges.

In 1978, Blackburn took on a new role as Deputy Director General of the International Baccalaureate Organization. He was especially in charge of their work in Africa and the Middle East.

Belief in Global Education

In 1988, Robert Blackburn spoke at a seminar in London. He shared his strong belief about education. He said:

"In the modern world, if education is not a global education, it is not an education for survival. As the world becomes more interdependent, there is a growing need for a curriculum that fosters international understanding and that can be followed by students in different countries. The International Baccalaureate Organization administers just such a curriculum."

This means he believed that in today's world, education must teach us about the whole world. He thought that as countries become more connected, we need school programs that help students understand other cultures. He saw the International Baccalaureate as a perfect example of this kind of learning.

Robert Blackburn's Family Life

In 1952, Robert Blackburn married Esther Archer. She was the daughter of a British diplomat named Norman Archer. They had two daughters, Kari Ruth Blackburn and Lucy Patricia Blackburn. After his first wife passed away, Blackburn married Nina Little in 1980. He died in 1990 at the age of 62 while on holiday in Sand, Norway.