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There are various projects operating currently in which older secondary school stu- dents are trained to speak about their own religion or world view to older students in primary schools.

One local education authority in London has pioneered “Ambassadors of Faith and Belief” (AFaB), in which older secondary students (mainly aged 16 and 17) are trained to give information about their own religion or world view to pupils in primary schools. The project was designed to address three local needs: to support good-quality education about religions and other life stances; to provide students at

the top end of the secondary school with opportunities to extend their personal and

social skills; and to help to promote social cohesion. The students aim both to give a general picture of the religion or world view plus their own personal perspective

and experience. The student ambassadors beneft from training in presentation and

teaching techniques, as well as gaining experience of working and communicating

with children. The primary school children hear a range of diferent voices, from

diferent religious and belief positions, talking about the religion or world view in general, but they also hear some personal views, in an atmosphere of civility, open discussion, in the safe space of the classroom and under the supervision of a teacher.

One of the organisers comments: “The ambassadors have given primary children the opportunity of a powerful and authentic personal encounter and dialogue with very positive role models of faith from a diversity of backgrounds.” Primary school children

who participated said that meeting the ambassadors helped them to recognise that

religion is “modern” and that diferent people have diferent ways of living their faith.

Here, older secondary school students who are acting as Ambassadors of Faith and Belief describe what they have to ofer to younger learners.

Illustrative example

Young people describe their role as Ambassadors of Faith and Belief Moenes

■“I decided to be part of the AFaB scheme because the idea of fostering

understanding between people of diferent faiths at a young level appealed to me. Being from a Muslim family of mixed ethnicity (Bosnian father and Egyptian

mother) I’m fortunate to have been exposed to multiple cultural interpretations of the Islamic faith. Neither of my parents forced their views or opinions on to me and so I was given the freedom to explore various religions by myself. I think it is vital that children are given the same freedom and taught it is okay to ask questions, as this will only increase inter-faith cohesion in the community. ■I am studying Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and History, with a particularly strong interest in Middle Eastern and European history and politics.” Olivia

■“I am a practising Catholic and I attend St Thomas of Canterbury Church. I am involved with the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service, which I really enjoy, as it’s nice to know people my age who are also quite involved in their faith.

signposts – teaching about religions Page 92

■I am currently in year 12 and am studying Biology, English Literature,

Psychology and Maths. My hobbies are reading, cycling, listening to music and

going shopping. I like being part of the Ambassadors programme because it helps

me share my view and experience of Catholicism. Although I will be teaching about my faith, I will also be learning about it, which I am looking forward to.” Shironika

■“Hi! I’m currently in year 12, now studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Economics. Religious Studies was always one of my favourite classes to go to, hence why I am now an AFaB. Not only is the AFaB scheme a wonderful way for children to see religions from a diferent perspective but it allows me to develop my own understanding of other religions too.

■When it comes to my faith, I am on a spiritual journey. I grew up in a Hindu household and was raised as a practising Hindu, going to the temple once a week. However, as I got older, I had some growing doubts about God and his existence, so currently I’m an agnostic. Despite this, I give my presentations on Hinduism as I can draw from my own experiences growing up. Having said that, if any members of staf or children want to know more about my agnostic beliefs, I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.”

Akshita

■“I am studying Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Sociology. In my

spare time I like to read alongside the extra-curricular activities I am part of in school. As I am atheist, the Faith Ambassador programme appeals to me because primary school students are not all taught about atheism. By being a part of the programme I can help them to learn about this. A visit from an atheist AFaB helps many students to question their religion which allows them to become stronger in their faith and become more open to new ideas. Thank you.” Amol

■“Hi! I’m Amol and I’m in year 12. First of all I’m delighted to be part of the AFaB scheme because I think it shows young children a whole new insightful

look into other faiths and cultures. My main aim in this project is to deliver entertaining and informative presentations to the children so that we both

get something out of it: they learn about things that might be a bit new to them (and have fun doing it, hopefully!) and I get the rewarding experience of working with them, and understanding my own faith better.

■I am a Hindu and attend the temple and Hindu festivals regularly. At home my family regularly worship at our shrine (which has objects that I’d love to

bring in and show the children) and I would like to think I’m well informed

about my faith and the reasonings behind certain aspects of it. I intend to talk about this in a fun and not-TOO-boring way! 

■In case you’re interested I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry,

English Literature and Music, and hope to someday become a dentist, that is, if my dream of being in a rock ‘n’ roll band doesn’t work out!”

linking schools to wider communities and organisations Page 93 Daniella

■“My name is Daniella and I am a student at a Jewish secondary school studying A levels [external examinations around 18] in Maths, Biology, Chemistry

and Religious Studies. I love music and play the clarinet, saxophone and piano

and attend Redbridge Music School where I play in an orchestra.

■Having been brought up in a Jewish household and having received a Jewish education from the age of 4, I have gained the knowledge to pass on information about Judaism in a comprehensive way. I understand that some of the concepts in other people’s religions are hard to grasp and therefore I intend to give simple yet informative presentations on Judaism.

■Becoming an AFaB has been a very exciting and rewarding experience for me as I feel a great sense of pride knowing that I will be able to educate others about my religion. Not only has becoming an AFaB given me the skills I

need to pass on my knowledge but it has also enabled me to learn more about

my own religion. My confdence has grown and the presentations that I will deliver are informative and interactive as I will often bring Jewish artefacts to make the presentations more exciting.”

More about the Ambassadors of Faith and Belief project can be read at: www. redbridgeafab.org.uk/index.php.