STUDENTS TAUGHT ON VARIETY OF RELIGIONS AT ROADSHOW

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Students taught on variety of religions at roadshow 

Students and volunteers got together to take part in a faith roadshow. 

More than 1,300 young people from Gateway College met with religious representatives from eight faiths at the Religion and Belief Roadshow. 

It was aimed at teaching students about a variety of religions including Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Humanism and Islam. 

The event was organised at the college, in Colin Grundy Drive, Leicester, by the St Phillip's Centre, based in Stoughton Drive North, in Evington. 

Riaz Ravat, from the St Phillip's Centre, said: "The Religion and Belief Roadshow is an important part of our Inter Faith Week programme because it will reach hundreds of young people. 

"Students saw several world views all interacting with one another and spreading inter faith messages of compassion, respect and peace. 

"This is a powerful statement which they can use as an example to tackle intolerance and promote peace."

In photo above: Carrie Potter, of Gateway College, Buddhist the Venerable Amitha and Gateway students Anil Chohan, 18, during the religion and belief roadshow

Pupils get an insight into beliefs at faith festival

Here's a positive article about faiths and young people on the local scene, from today's Leicester Mercury. This would appear to be a new initiative on the part of St Philip's Centre for Study and Engagement in a Multi-Faith Society. I'd not heard of it before, at least. Good on them for providing such a service.

Pupils get an insight into beliefs at faith festival 

Pupils had a chance to learn about seven religions in one day when their school held a faith festival.

Faith workers went into Mount Grace High School, Hinckley, to give the youngsters insights into the beliefs and customs of Bahá'í, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

The Religion and Belief Roadshow, organised by St Philip's Centre, in Leicester, gave youngsters the chance to try foods and henna and finger painting and try on clothing associated with the different faiths.

There were also stqalls showing relvant items, and opportunities to ask questions.

Assistant Head Teacher Tom Dunne said: "The whole school had been excited about this day for a long time.

"We want our children to have the broadest range of knowledge and understanding to become the active citizens of tomorrow."

Riaz Ravat, of St Philip's Centre, a multi-faith organisation run by the Anglican Diocese of Leicester, said: "Our main purpose is to generate fun on a subject which is often all too serious.

"We want to communicate the shared values of respect, acceptance and charity, which faith communities possess.

"This is a two-way process, however, so we have much to learn from the children."