#SRtRCSpotlight: Solutions Not Sides – Bridge Builders Programme
In July, our NW team delivered a workshop at the Solutions Not Sides Bridge Builders Programme in Cambridge.
Bridge Builders is a five-day programme for sixth form students who want deeper learning on the Israel-Palestine conflict, to receive training in conflict resolution and learn how to affect positive change within their societies or communities. The course is designed to help enable interfaith dialogue on this issue, to de-escalate conflict and to foster good relations between people. Anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of background, political beliefs, or prior knowledge or experience. This year’s programme featured a number of speakers and trainers who are experts in their field and was designed with input from previous alumni of the programme.
The SRtRC workshop was attended by 30 young people, who enthusiastically explored a range of issues to develop their understanding of what racism looks like in their education settings and in wider society. Areas of focus were:
· Unconscious Bias and Stereotypes
· Everyday Racism and Microaggressions
· Privilege and Allyship
· Challenging Racism
Activities included card sorts, group discussion, case studies and scenario-based challenges. Participants were very forthcoming in sharing their own experiences, particularly when focusing on casual racism and microaggressions. After the SRtRC session they spent the rest of the day working with guest speakers to further develop their understanding of antisemitism and Islamophobia, as well as attending a Stand Up to Racism workshop.
SNS staff said afterwards that many of the students commented on how interesting the session was and how much they had learnt.
One student commented,
“We really enjoyed your session, it was interactive, to the point and let us get to know each other a lot more. I did learn a few new things as well which is always a positive. SRtRC is hugely important and definitely needs to be reaching every community. It’s quite amazing to see someone so passionate about anti-racism!”
Reflecting on the programme as a whole, participants said,
“BBP means the world to me. Coming from my background, I never imagined having access to people and spaces like this. It gave me the chance to channel my passion for the Middle East — something that resonates deeply with who I am. Staff reminded me that we are the generation that can influence change. Even micro-level change can ripple outward. That is something which will stick with me forever.” – Mariam
And finally another student commented,
“Young people need spaces where listening is radical and disagreement isn’t dangerous. BBP proves that dialogue isn’t weakness, it’s strength” – Mishkat
If you are interested in booking a session with our North West team, fill out the enquiry form below: