Dates: October - December 2008, on a Wednesday/Friday schedule
Grades: 7-8, 9-12
Themes: Faith and Globalization, Faith and Community, Faith and Self
Cost: Free of charge during pilot phase
Email Christine Robinson to sign up

In this age of global interconnectedness, never before has tolerance - tolerance of different beliefs, cultures, and religions - been so vital to peaceful relations. Percentages of religious adherents worldwide are growing, and with that, the need for understanding and openness among the diverse faiths that make up the worldwide community is becoming indispensable in an age of globalization.

GNG has partnered with the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to create innovative ways to support encounter, exploration and exchange between young people of different beliefs and faiths.

Students will explore how faith impacts the everyday culture and lives of youth today. Using live videoconferencing, this interactive programme establishes a neutral platform for young people to discuss and share ideas, and will promote tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore religion by engaging with a guest speaker, or expert, and through student-led discussions. Students will take part in conversations between Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus, and many more. This collaborative environment promotes cross-cultural dialogue among youth of different beliefs - empowering young people to learn together as a collective group of globally aware citizens.

Students will also participate in cross-cultural dialogue as members of the same religion from different corners of the global community, gathering, for example, Muslims from countries as diverse as Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

To sign-up or if you have questions: contact Christine Robinson at christine@gng.org.

Face to Faith Videoconference Schedule:
Sessions are scheduled twice a week from October - December 2008, on a Wednesday/Friday schedule.

Fees:
Videoconference is free of charge during the pilot phase.

Program Overview:

• Participating schools will receive a lesson plan to guide teachers as they integrate a curriculum or activity centered on faith. Each lesson includes background on the topic of the week, discussion questions, 1-2 interactive class activities, and additional resources for research. This will prepare students to participate in a videoconference and promote a more inclusive platform among youth as they collaborate about each topic.
• Prior to each session, schools will receive a storyboard outlining the format and flow or "run-of-show" for the hour that includes key discussion questions or background of the lesson.
• Every Wednesday session will include a guest speaker to introduce the topic and generate discussion among the students, with every Friday consisting of a further, more detailed dialogue between students.

Back to List of Fall 2008 Programs