At the launch of our annual matched fundraiser this year - which is now live - we asked two speakers who have been speakers in UK schools this year to share their thoughts about why they volunteered, especially at such a crucial and challenging time since the awful events of October 7th 2023 in Israel, and since in Gaza and the West Bank. We've themed the campaign #PeaceBuilderVoices.

By Sharon Booth, Solutions Not Sides' Founder & Executive Director

6th March 2024

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By Sharon Booth, Solutions Not Sides Founder & Executive Director.

Sharon reflects on what we've learnt after 100 tours in schools and communities.

The best education is when students are exposed to diverse viewpoints, critical-thinking skills, and are allowed space to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions. After 100 school tours across nearly 15 years, we have seen how powerful this can be.

By Ali Amla, SNS' Youth & Partnerships Director

One of the best ways to persuade others is with your ears, by listening to them - to connect at a human level, to humanise each other, to listen in order to understand and not to simply respond. To hold space before introducing your thoughts and opinions. Not to debate or to change one another's views but to genuinely grapple with them. The skills required to do this are in greater demand than ever before.