they are operating, as well as sparking new ideas for their projects. Students also enjoy the
challenging and interactive nature of the workshops that are held, and the fact that they have
a voice to express their learning, questions, frustrations and hopes at the public plenary at
the end of the day.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day throughout. These workshops really open up your mind and
broaden your views. I would have never realised how much can affect people and deny or put
a pause on their human rights. I now have a better understanding of all the topics and issues
raised and intend on sharing my experience with others.” (Caitlin Sheridan, Moate Community
School, Student Ambassador for Human Rights/Social Justice at WorldWise Forum 2012)
What would you do to improve on this in the future?
Worldwise works to improve each annual Forum, building on the feedback received from
participants each year. The challenge is to provide a space that caters for a very large group
of people (average 400) and which also creates an environment that is both challenging
and stimulating for each individual present. Worldwise was always aware of the need to
counteract the ‘saris, steel bands and samosas’ approach to intercultural learning that Hetan
Shah warns against, and which Bryan and Bracken echoed in their findings that schools’
practice of DE often boils down to the “Three Fs: fundraising, fasting and fun”. However, the
organisation also tries to work with schools from their own starting point. The Forum is a fun
and celebratory event, and one which provides energy and motivation to schools (particularly
teachers) who have been working hard to sustain a long-distance learning partnership
over time. However, Worldwise provide a flipside to the celebratory atmosphere at the
Forum through the smaller workshops – students and teachers usually participate in two
workshop sessions throughout the day. In these workshop participants are challenged in their
perspectives and assumptions, and invited to share their own experiences and feedback with
peers at the end of the day.