World Citizenship Project Prize-Giving Ceremony 2004-5

Pupils from 11 primary and secondary schools in the borough of Brent entered this year's World Citizenship Project. The competition, now in its 9th successive year, was organised by Brent's Baha'i community to get pupils thinking about issues relating to equality, peace and unity. Over 500 pupils from all over Brent submitted entries in 3 categories - poetry, posters and essays. Each entry was based on this year's theme of "The Promise of World Peace" and expressed the young person's hopes for a peaceful future. Their entries provided heartening evidence that future generations will show the care and concern necessary for the well-being of the planet and humanity.

The prize giving ceremony was held in John Kelly Girls' Technology College on Saturday 16th April when over 200 pupils, parents and teachers enjoyed a very happy and proud afternoon. Prizes were given out by the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Shahzad, and by Mrs. Hooper, the chair of Brent Youth and Community Services. The Mayor also spoke about his efforts in bringing together people from different ethnic and religious communities in Brent, and thanked the Baha'is for organising the project. The chair for the afternoon, Dan Wheatley, from the Baha'i National Office in London, spoke about efforts being made by Baha'is throughout the United Kingdom to get youngsters thinking about the world around them through the World Citizenship Project. "World Citizenship and the oneness of mankind are both fundamental teachings of the Baha'i Faith" said Mr. Wheatley.

The prize giving was interspersed with colourful dance displays by pupils from Kensal Rise Primary School and John Kelly. One of the organisers, Abraham Wilson, thanked Kushan Pal, Religious Education teacher from Kensal Rise, whose dancers created a pleasurable atmosphere which permeated the whole afternoon. Each participating school received a framed certificate and a booklet containing all the winning entries. In addition, each pupil who participated received a certificate.

Mr. Nathan Godleman, the humanities teacher at Queen's Park Community School (pictured with his partner Ms. Linda McDonald) said that "it was a very enjoyable occasion and nice to see so many children had taken part in the competition".