The Second Encompass Journey of Understanding
“Imagine a utopia where children from all over the world can come and coexist peacefully… add hardships which test your physical, mental and emotional endurance, and you have Encompass”
These are the words of one of the participants one the Second Encompass Journey of Understanding. On 29th March a group of 20 young people from across the globe gathered in London for the beginning of the program. Whilst in London the group attended an international school conference held at Mulberry school where they were addressed by Clare Short MP and Shami Chakrabarti on themes of global interest. Visits to the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye were also made.
The evening prior to the group leaving for the Lake District was set aside for an Intercultural Evening which was kicked off by the British delegation holding an Easter Egg Hunt for the other participants. This was followed by a presentation on America, Palestinian dancing, a traditional Jewish Shabbat ceremony and of course good old-fashioned bingo!
The week in the Lake District presented challenges for everyone. For some it was the program put together by Outward Bound® which included hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, raft building, camping and bridge building; for others it was the discussions that were held in the evening. And for Josh and Louise the challenge was keeping up with such an energetic group!
The program was a real success. Participants came away realising that we are not defined only by the positive around us, conflict and social problems make us who we are as well as family and friends, and though a conflict may be more dramatic local problems are just as important and need solving too.
We can all work together to improve the realities that we live in, and by understanding the way that we live, we can help each other to achieve these changes.
Posted Tuesday April 18, 2006
