SINCE 9/11 welcomed over 100 teachers, education specialists and inspiring speakers to our National Education Conference in January 2017.
The event -to mark the launch of our new Education Programme- brought together speakers from across the education and not-for-profit sectors as well as from government.
We heard of how to build a more tolerant, inclusive society based upon the lessons learned from the events and aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America and how education is central to this objective.
Executive Director of Education at Birmingham City Council, Colin Diamond, said:
"The middle ground of shared values and compassionate co-existence that the conference promoted is more important than ever.”
Sara Khan Co-Director of Inspire, an organization working to counter extremism and gender inequality, echoed the opening words of our Chairman with the message that though we live in challenging times, there is still the great hope for activism, hope and change.
Hanif Qadir, founder of the Active Change Foundation spoke passionately about how young people are increasingly being led to think that if someone hates them, they need to hate them back, which can all too often take the mind down a very dangerous path.
“You can't change a person if you can't reach them. You can't reach them without understanding their issues.”
Alongside our keynote speakers throughout the day, we offered a Q&A panel, which featured Ziauddin Yousafzai, the father of Malala Yousafzai who spoke about how invariably, it is those of Muslim faith who are the first victims of terrorism and that as a society, we need to work harder to give equal attention to all attacks of hatred, no matter where in the world they occur.
“If 20 people are killed in an attack in Pakistan, that should be treated the same as 20 people being killed in Germany.”
Also participating in the panel was Nicky Napier, a former teacher and widow of 9/11 victim Alex Napier. Nicky spoke with grace about her own personal experiences of the consequences of a terrorism, and was so generous in sharing with us her view that although talking about personal stories is both difficult and awkward, it’s important to do so because this human element can allow people, in particular young students to engage with others.
In addition to hearing the views of these inspired keynote presentations we launched our brand new suite of education materials, the updated RE, history and citizenship programmes.
“Teachers in our school feel they have the go ahead to teach this controversial subject with clarity now they have access to Since 9/11 materials”
"A criticism of education is that it's often not relevant to adult life. Lessons from the Since 9/11 programme could not be more relevant."
Ending our conference, was a piece of beautiful oratory from historian and presenter Simon Schama, who provided us all with his unique perspective on the history of conflict and the importance of tolerance and respect for all faiths and religions. Simon spoke about how history is meant to make you critical and thoughtful. He spoke about the great importance of societal inclusivity and that "We have to contest civilisation's tendency to retreat into tribes of people who look like each other." Ending his presentation, Simon receited No Man is an Island by English poet, John Donne.
“[History] should keep you up at night questioning your culture”
The conference was a great success, all the delegates who provided feedback said they would recommend the SINCE 9/11 Education Programme to colleagues. We received requests from 25 schools to visit them and provide expert insight into the global consequences of 9/11 and how the UK at the present is tackling prejudice and extremism.
“This was a great day with excellent quality speakers”
Following from the conference we have built partnerships with over 40 schools. We have facilitated an ongoing programme of visits from experienced teachers and provide training sessions to further develop teacher's abilities to use our Education Programme and discuss sensitive issues in the classroom.