London Week of Peace

September 2009

"Is Peace More than the Absence of Conflict?”

To initiate the London Week of Peace, GCH was invited by the Youth Justice Board to participate in an evening debate at The Lewis Media Centre in Millbank Tower on Monday, 21st September. Members of Debating Society proved extremely keen to speak at the event which was ably chaired by Kwame Kwei-Armah, known to some for his appearances in "Holby City" and to others for his play, "Elmina's Kitchen".

A distinguished panel had been convened to consider the topic from a variety of angles. Following the opening speaker, Major General Tim Cross whose military career had involved bomb disposal was Jo Berry who explained how the death of her father in the IRA Brighton Bombing had led her to become a peace campaigner. Whilst Mohamed Hassan of the Somali Youth Forum declared that pride was the enemy to peace, Dr Waqar Azmi's focus was on the need for dialogue, understanding and equality. Hattie Collins, the Editor of RWD magazine, and Commander Steve Kavanagh of the Metropolitan Police emphasised the need to engage in difficult conversations and to listen carefully to the views expressed. Particularly moving was journalist Ejos Ubiribo's description of the murder of her 18-year old brother for an alleged "lack of respect".

The many speakers from the floor also made the evening a challenging and worthwhile experience.

Enthusiastic members of debating society preparing for the Youth Justice Debate


GCH contributions to the debate


Debaters seize the opportunity to speak to Kwame Kwei-Armah (Actor, Playwright & Director)
who chaired the debate


GCH Sixthformers meet Pastor Nims Obunge of the Peace Alliance
and Graham Robb, member of the Youth Justice Board