Children and Young People
Things to do
Help out at a peace organisation
This is a great way to learn about the work of peace organisations such as Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) whilst getting invaluable experience to strengthen future jobs applications. Visit our Volunteering and Employment page to find out more.
Put up our display
We have a 'What is peace?' display that uses 8 A3 size laminated panels and is free to borrow. It looks at Christian peacemaking in general and includes panels on the environment and poverty, as well as war, Jesus and activism. You can borrow the panels for free but you'll need something to mount them onto (any wall would do). Have a look on the Network of Christian Peace Organisations' web site at http://www.ncpo.org.uk/ and click on 'Resources'.
Put up their display
The Peace Museum has two displays available to borrow. 'A vision shared' (24 panels) chronicles the peace movement in the Twentieth Century and explores a number of peace issues like the problems of the arms trade and nuclear weapons. 'Such a journey' (12 panels) looks at aspects of peace and working for peace using personal stories of those in one city - Bradford. Again, you'll need something to mount the panels onto, as that's not included. These displays cost about £50 to hire, depending on postage and insurance. The Peace Museum can advise you - call 01274 754009 or email peacemuseum@bradford.gov.uk
Places to go
Quaker United Nations Summer School
In July each year QPSW and the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva co-ordinate a two-week study tour for 25 young people who are interested in international issues. The programme involves seminars, workshops and attendance at official meetings, including sessions at the UN, the World Trade Organisation and Quaker House. For more information visit http://www.quno.org/
Study Tour of the European Institutions
Organised by the Quaker Council for European Affairs, this is a week in Brussels and Strasbourg learning about the work of the EU and non-governmental organisations, normally in July each year. For more information visit www.quaker.org/qcea
Work for Quakers for peace for a year
Work in the UK, in East Africa, or at the UN in Geneva or New York, or in a peace organisation in Britain. Recruitment is normally in March/April - see the jobs pages at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs for current vacant posts. The Quaker Council for European Affairs also recruits one-year Programme Assistants (normally age 21-30) - visit www.quaker.org/qcea. It is not normally necessary to be a Quaker to do these placements; however, a close sympathy with Quaker values and practices is expected.
Bedfordshire: The Peace School
A year-long programme, exploring through a combination of residentials and web-based activity what it means to be a peacemaker in every area of life; . It is a community of learning where participants bring their own experiences and learn from the experiences of others. It gives participants resources to be peace and justice activists within their own spheres of influence. And it seeks to survey the world through a biblical Christian understanding of shalom (peace), while providing a welcoming environment for people of any background or faith.' For more information about peace school, including the learning gatherings, visit http://www.peaceschool.org.uk/
Things to learn
'Where is the Love?'
Now there's a question. 'Where is the Love?' is an amazing video of a school class challenging the arms fair next door. It's available in DVD and VHS format and it's well worth a look. It can be bought from Campaign Against Arms Trade - email enquiries@caat.org.ukor call 020 7281 0297.
A note about armed forces recruitment
The Government tries very hard to recruit young people into the armed forces using advertising that is in many ways misleading. It's worth finding out what the issues are, especially if you know someone who is thinking of joining up. Did you know, for example, that once you've joined, it can be illegal to leave for several years? Most people don't know that. The website http://www.beforeyousignup.info/ offers impartial advice on the issues involved in joining up, and a small group called At Ease offers advice over the phone and by email - visit http://www.atease.org.uk/
Stuff for teachers
Education for Peace: A Guide
Educating children to understand that conflict is distinct from violence, and introducing them to peaceful and creative ways of responding to conflict, are essential is we are to build a culture of peace. This guide from the Peace Education Network is available free for all those involved in educating for a just and peaceful world. Contact Jaci Smith in QPSW on jacis@quaker.org.uk or call 020 7663 1087.
QPSW Peace Education Advisory Programme
The QPSW Peace Education Advisory Programme produces a regular newsletter and lists of up-to-date resources for peace education for primary and secondary teachers. There is also an email discussion list for those involved in education. Visit the QPSW Online Resources Page to download the resources and join the list. For any detailed queries, the QPSW Peace Education Advisory Programme Manager, Jaci Smith, may be able to help - call 020 7663 1087 or email jacis@quaker.org.uk
Peace Education Network
The Peace Education Network (PEN) have also developed an online Resource Catalogue aimed at teachers which can be accessed from the PEN website (http://www.peace-education.org.uk/). Resources can be filtered by Key Stage and have a subject guide also. The PEN also holds an annual conference and can provide speakers for schools.
Anatomy of War - a study guide for young people
Produced by Preparing for Peace, a Quaker project of Westmorland General Meeting, this resource is suitable for studies in Citizenship, History or Religion. The Anatomy of War uses two experiences of modern war, reduced to manageable form as study material for young people, especially in the 16-21 age group. £5 each, postage included, or £2.50 each for orders of five or more plus £2.50 postage. For more information and to order, visit http://www.preparingforpeace.org/
'Refusing to kill - conscientious objection and human rights in the first world war' study guide for schools and the general reader
The Peace Pledge Union has produced this superb study guide for schools, especially Key Stages 3 and 4. A companion CD Rom with teachers notes and class activities is also available. 'This book is a remarkable collection of case histories, letters and archival material, demonstreating and enormous hardships of the conscientious objectors of the First World War.' Peter Zander, imprisoned as a CO in the Second World War. For more information, visit www.ppu.org.uk/newsletter/news_refusing1.html
Peace Pledge Union teaching resources
The PPU carries a number of classroom resources - visit www.ppu.org.uk
