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Getting involved with the Global Student Forum
Global Student Forum 2008: Everybody wants a peace
Nicola Inson - the education manager here at Christian Aid - is always on the lookout for exciting ways to get young people involved with global issues.
And the Global Student Forum, an event held every year in June, does just that. Here Nicola tells us more...
What is the Global Student Forum?
It's a conference for sixth form students organised by the charity Damaris, Christian Aid and other international development organisations.
The event is designed to encourage school students, of all faiths and none, to think carefully about the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that underpin global citizenship.
The speakers include MPs, academics and people who have experienced the issues first hand - and the day provides a great space for students to share their views and hear from people who are living and working on the front line of international development.
What happened at this year's Global Student Forum?
The theme was conflict and talks centred on the effects of war and how countries can build sustainable peace after conflict.
Speakers including Gareth Thomas from the Department for International Development, former child solidier and reggae artist Ben Okafor, and peace activist and former hostage Norman Kember shared their experiences of peace and conflict. Workshops were led by Christian Aid, War Child and World Vision.
How do events like this make a difference?
Large scale events where young people can spend the day with inspirational speakers and debate global issues with their peers really engage them. They leave fired up, ready to take on injustice!
And a key part of the Global Student Forum is that it has an impact beyond the event. Students leave with a peer educator DVD to help them run their own events at school.
This year that challenge was given a creative new dimension. Newsreader Jon Snow introduced the New Media Partnership Challenge which encourages delegates to work with their local media and raise awareness of the issues in their wider communities.
The winners of the challenge will get to meet Jon Snow when they visit the Channel Four studios to watch how the news is recorded.
How can I find out more?
Take a look at the Global Student Forum website. And let me know if you want to take a group along - I can send you info on the 2009 event when it's ready.
