Youth-led charity inspires involvement

12.16.48pm GMT Wed 24th Nov 2004

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, is supporting a youth-led charity's campaign to make young people aware of the impact of their lives on the developing world.

Development in Action is run entirely by young volunteers who aim to promote global citizenship by improving understanding of development issues and encouraging greater engagement in them among young people in the UK.

At the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday (23 November), Tom Brake and Mercury Music Prize nominee Nitin Sawhney jointly hosted the celebrations for Development in Action's 10th Anniversary.

Mr Brake said:

"In a day and age where competition for profit leaves little space for young people to explore and take responsibility for how our world works, it is remarkable that a charity run entirely by young people, should thrive on the energy of its own voluntary members.

"Since this unique charity was founded ten years ago, more than 160 young people have volunteered with Indian non-governmental organisations on placements organised by Development in Action. On their return to the UK these volunteers have produced a wealth of material and held scores of events to encourage interest in global issues in their local communities.

"Development in Action inspires young people to engage in the wider world at a time when awareness and understanding is of increasing importance."

Development in Action are currently recruiting volunteers for two and five month placements with non-governmental organisations in India in 2005-06. If you would like to know more visit www.developmentinaction.org.

Established in 1994, Development in Action (formerly known as Student Action India) aims to promote global citizenship by improving the understanding of development issues and encouraging greater engagement in them among young people in the UK.

What does Development in Action do?

Volunteer Scheme:

• Hands on experience with locally based non-governmental organisations in India.

Outreach in the UK:

• Quarterly Magazine reaching Students, Teachers, Careers Offices, Development Education Centres, etc.

• Development Education Resource Base (videos, workshops, games)

• Individual awareness raising project produced by each volunteer on their return to the UK from India (talks to local schools, photographic exhibitions etc)

Nitin Sawhney is a world-class producer, songwriter, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, orchestral composer, and cultural pioneer. Earlier this year Sawhney's music for Channel Four's Second Generation saw him nominated for the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Film and TV Composition.

Related Links:

Development in Action website.

More about Nitin Sawhney.