Schools and Young People

Encounter, exploration and exchange between young people of different faiths
 
Young people hold a vital key to improving understanding and respect between those of different faiths. Supported by technology, young people are increasingly connecting with others, irrespective of geography, cultural similarity or even language. Importantly, this new digital generation is expecting much greater levels of engagement with the world around them. Imagine if we were to draw on the collective energy and imagination of young people to create new ways for encounter, exploration and exchange between those of different faiths. How might young people help us to reduce fear and tension, and tackle the growing problem of radicalisation and religious intolerance? In short, how might we work together to ensure faith is a force for good and for progress in the modern world?

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation recognises the critical importance of an open and collaborative approach if we are to improve understanding of, and respect for, the role of faith in the modern world. We are kicking off with three distinct yet inter-related initiatives:

First, we are creating a showcase of faith stories from around the world. As the world gets more global, religious literacy - the ability to understand the values of different faiths - will be increasingly important. Stories are the currency of human contact, through which we begin to understand each other and our world. So, whether a photo of your temple or synagogue, a video showing an Eid celebration, an activity that you organised to help your community, or perhaps a story that illustrates your views or experiences of other faiths, tell us your story.
 
Second, we are inviting young people (aged 10-16) to submit ideas for practical resources, materials and tools that might support inter-faith dialogue and exchange. You may have an idea for a specialist wikipedia, a strip cartoon, a radio programme or a computer game. Whatever your idea, as long as it is designed to break down barriers between those of different backgrounds and faiths, we would love to hear from you at education@tonyblairfaithfoundation.org. The Tony Blair Faith Foundation will support the best ideas into full development with the involvement of faith communities, subject experts, media companies, youth organisations, schools and parents.

Finally, the Foundation wants to identify the best resources and practices from across the world and ensure that these are made visible and accessible to all. Whether you are a teacher, an academic, a faith leader or parent, we would welcome your recommendations of high-quality materials that contribute to improving young people's religious literacy and understanding of the positive values of the great faiths. We would also like your suggestions for new resources that support active learning at home or school and that might complement existing materials. Send your suggestions.
 
With your help, we can develop new learning environments which respect the complexity of inter-faith exchange; which exploit the diverse resources now on offer; and which involve the co-creation of new ways for positive interaction between those of different faiths. Together, we can create an international community of action that fosters respect across faiths, promotes understanding, and tackles division and extremism.