Christian Aid: Global Neighbours

Rebecca Elliott is an Education and Youth Officer in Wales for Christian Aid.

My job is varied and interesting and combines my experience of working in education with my Christian faith and its foundation of fairness and dignity for all people. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to the work of educating and motivating young people to consider the world and global citizenship and to give them the opportunity to reflect and to take steps to make the world a fairer place for all.

During the autumn term I was coordinating and curating artwork from schools across Wales who were taking part in a project we have in collaboration with several other organisations called Creative for Climate Justice. Once the schools had hosted their own exhibitions and shared their views on climate justice with their communities, I curated pieces to be exhibited in Llandaff Cathedral or in Parliament in London. The London exhibition was for one day only and 20 young people from the UK were invited to host MPs. Two pupils from Wales were invited, and it was great to see them speaking confidently with MPs, sharing their feelings and those of the other young people and children involved in the art project. This project is held annually and schools can register to be involved this year by contacting me.

I also worked on an accreditation scheme for primary schools in Wales called Global Neighbours. The scheme has just been launched and I look forward to finding out what schools are already doing on global citizenship and see their ideas develop. There are different criteria and a school can apply for a bronze, silver or gold award. The scheme promotes collaboration between the school and its local church and there are opportunities for learners to share their experienced and be an important part of their local community. Schools can find out more or register for the scheme in https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/schools/global-neighbours-cymru-scheme.

In my capacity I have visited schools, attended conferences and Eisteddfodau and have joined the rest of the team in fundraising events, assemblies and in campaigning work.

For further information about the projects or if I can help in any other way, please do not hesitate to get in touch: relliott@cymorth-cristnogol.org