Archived decisions

Contact: Clive Erricker - County Inspector - RE (02392 441459)

1. Summary

1.1 This report updates SACRE on the progress made toward establishing a young peoples' inter-faith forum

1.2 This paper supports Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy (maximising life opportunities) and item 4 of the Corporate Strategy (building strong and safe communities) through bringing together young people of different faiths to work toward common goals.

2. Background

2.1 SACRE and Southampton SACRE have already agreed that they wish to make a bid to NASACRE in March 2006 to set up a young people's inter-faith forum. (Appendix 1)

2.2 The County Inspector has met with the Children's Services team in Southampton who have supported the setting up of a joint young people's inter-faith forum with Hampshire

2.3 The County Inspector for RE and the Chair of SACRE have met with a group of young people on Hampshire County Youth Council who have also supported the idea of a young people's inter-faith forum and who suggested that it should:

· Address varied topics of contemporary interest related to modern life, ethical issues and current concerns

· Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions

· Value the opinions of young people and have open discussion

· Incorporate forms of cultural expression, such as dance, art and music

2.4 The County Inspector for Religious Education has been supporting the co-ordinator of the Portsmouth Young People's Interfaith Forum in developing the Portsmouth project. It has become clear that the setting up of a sound financial base for the continuance of the project beyond the money received from the initial bid needs to be a planning priority.

Recommendations

1. That SACRE note the support for and advice given on the setting up of a young people's interfaith forum and make satisfactory arrangements for its financial support

2. That SACRE consider how to meet the financial implications of setting up and maintaining a young people's faith forum prior to making its bid for a grant to NASACRE

3. That SACRE receive a further item at the next meeting on this topic.

Background Papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an informal part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB: The list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act