So we are very excited to embark on a two-year programme linking over thirty faith schools across London, funded by the Pears Foundation, which will give young people from different backgrounds the chance to meet, exchange ideas and share experiences. Already our Youth and Education division, which runs sessions in schools on a daily basis, demonstrates the exciting possibilities for working together and overcoming faith boundaries. Now we have the chance to explore these possibilities further by developing the dialogue on a school-wide level.

In 2008-9 the Shared Futures programme ran a pilot supporting links between 20 schools, both primary and secondary. Young people participated in a series of activities including training in community, dialogue skills, workshops on immigration, exploring religious festivals through art, learning about democracy and sharing narratives. By 2010, the Three Faiths Forum will be facilitating such activities in some 30-40 schools across London, introducing schools to one another and establishing longer term relationships. In the first year schools will receive support in devising activities to ensure they are appropriate for interfaith settings; the involvement of outside staff will reduce through the year to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

The Faith School Linking programme is affiliated to the National Schools Linking Network, and it shares its vision to inspire communities through fostering understanding of identities and diversity. We know from experience that the vitality of this inspiration, as well the energy for action, often begins with young people themselves. We are optimistic that young people can overcome certain prejudices of previous generations, and that stimulating lively interaction between young people will help towards the creation of a shared, happy and cohesive society.