Fly kites not drones

Teachers and chaplains from Catholic schools are invited to attend a free professional development session based around the new SMSC resource 'Fly kites not drones' on Thursday 4th February 2016 from 4-6pm at Notre Dame RC Girls' School, SEl 6EX (close to Waterloo, Lambeth North and Elephant and Castle stations)

The session will include:- demonstration use of the materials by groups involved in their development (including 'Quaker Peace and Social Action' and 'Voices for Creative Non-Violence UK')- young people from the school's 'Justice and Peace' group sharing their learning and action about this issue- copies of the resources for all participants- a moment of reflection- time for networking and sharing (over food!) about 'justice and peace' in schools

To register please email James Trewby of Columban education at: education@columbans.co.uk before the 20th of January.

About the resource - www.flykitesnotdrones.org

This learning resource was made in Britain, but the inspiration is Afghanistan, a country that has known over three decades of constant war. At its heart is the true story of Aymel, a young boy who never really knew his father because of a drone strike. The story is known because of the bravery of the Afghan Peace Volunteers who shared it. They pioneered the Fly Kites Not Drones campaign which has spread around the world.

A kite in the sky is a beautiful image wherever you are. Whether pieced together from bin bags and string, or manufactured with high-tech fibres, when we see a kite fly, part of us flies with it. The lives of the people holding the string can be very different, however. In Afghanistan, children are afraid of blue skies because they are the perfect weather for drones. FlyKites Not Drones is for the children in all the countries living with that fear.

Through the activities included, young people can learn about human rights and practise a range of key skills, but we hope that, through the creative act of making and flying a kite, they will gain an insight into the lives of their peers 3,500 miles away.

Drone warfare is controversial. It raises questions about execution without trial, civilian deaths and endless war. Children, like adults, will have a range of opinions about it as they learn about these issues. The aim of this resource is to help young people safely explore their own questions, thoughts and feelings.

The resource is produced by a partnership of Afghan Peace Volunteers, Voices for Creative Non-violence UK, Pax Christi UK, Quaker Peace & Social Witness, and The Drone Campaign Network.