ParliaMentors 2009-10 launched at House of Commons

On Wednesday the 14th October the Three Faiths Forum launched the third year of our ParliaMentors programme, a pioneering initiative that sees students from different religious backgrounds mentored by MPs. Built on the successes of its previous two years, Undergraduate ParliaMentors offers rare networking opportunities for young people of faith hoping to pursue a career in politics, with participants getting to attend high-level events at the Houses of Parliament and Embassies and meet leaders in the field of politics and media, as well as NGOs.

The programme is directed at Muslim, Christian and Jewish students and aims to foster understanding and trust between the three Abrahamic faiths, while nurturing a new generation of politicians and community leaders. Trios of students, with one member from each faith, are mentored by MPs for a year as they get to work with leading NGOs and think tanks on ‘empowerment projects,’ which aim to highlight important community issues and bring about social change.

The launch of the programme, at the House of Commons, brought together 45 students from different religious communities from all parts of the country. The event ended with a panel discussion featuring London Assembly Member Andrew Boff and BBC documentary maker Tim Samuels.

The initiative involving 15 MPs from all major parties gives undergraduates with an interest in politics the opportunity to see the political process first hand during debates and meetings in Westminster. The students are also responsible for working out novel ways to raise awareness of social issues under the guidance of a parliamentarian who meets them on a monthly basis. Behind the initiative lies a desire by the Three Faiths Forum to increase the level of unity and cooperation between the three monotheistic faiths in an effort to promote community cohesion and dialogue.

Programme Manager Daniella Shaw Gabay said: "Undergraduate ParliaMentors has entered an exciting phase, with more students than ever applying for places, and growing interest from the politicians as well. This project offers a great opportunity to focus on the common aspirations of young Muslims, Christians and Jews. The students taking part this year show exceptional promise and we are excited to be working with them to take forward their careers, whilst building lasting friendships. Our Alumni Network will work to ensure that the benefits of the programme are ongoing."