Who was Mother Teresa? Empire of Charity (Full Lesson)

This is a lesson aimed at year 8 pupils to be potentially used in a study of religion, charity, and wealth. The lesson examines the work of famous Catholic nun and missionary, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

The lesson is designed to raise awareness and critical thinking about the legitimacy of charitable work; and to encourage pupils to clearly examine and scrutinise the premises and claims of humanitarian agencies that may hold considerable influence and gravitas.

The lesson includes:

• An overview of Mother Theresa.
• A four-column table information sorting activity.
• A summary activity for the 1994 documentary, “Hell’s Angel”.
• A written task asking pupils to consider what ulterior motives may have driven ‘Missionaries for Charity’ organisation.
• Question regarding whether Mother Teresa was a religious fundamentalist.