The Development Education Association (DEA) was formed in 1993 to support and promote the work of all those engaged in raising awareness and understanding of global and development issues in the UK. The DEA is a national umbrella body working with over 240 member and partner organisations in the UK and overseas.
Development education aims to raise awareness and understanding of how global issues affect the lives of individuals, communities and societies and how all of us can and do influence the global society we live in - as active global citizens. It aims to bring global perspectives into all aspects of learning - the school classroom, universities, local community activities, the media.
Key aims of the DEA is to promote the work of member organisations and to facilitate networking and cooperation between members at local, national and international levels. To influence and develop public policy at all levels which impact upon development education practice. To provide information and support to its members which will enable them to increase the effectiveness of development education practice. To enhance the quality of professional practice in development education.
The DEA works with members and partners at a local, national and international level to promote the principles of development education and sustainable development as central to all sectors of education. Development education is about how we fit into the world around us and what we can do to change the world. Development education is lifelong learning for change.