David Obasan and Nankur Pontip

On 30 June 2025, two volunteers from the United Nations Association Coventry Branch, Nankur Pontip Ramdur (who also contributed this article) and David Obasan, delivered presentations to students at Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Coventry. The presentations centred on the urgent global issue of child soldiers.

The events aimed to raise awareness among Cardinal Newman students about the real-life experiences of children in conflict zones and to encourage critical reflection on global injustices, while emphasising the work of the UN on this issue. They wanted to: encourage empathy and global citizenship; inspire student engagement in issues of international peace and security; and promote the work of the United Nations and local community initiatives.

What did the presentations consist of?

By including videos of an ex-child soldier, Ishmael Beah from Sierra Leone, they aimed to educate young people about the recruitment and use of child soldiers in conflict zones. Their audiences learned that, on average, a war has begun every two months since 1945 and this has had a tremendous impact on children. Students were introduced to the harsh realities faced by children forced into armed conflict. These stories, often unfamiliar to youth in the UK, highlighted the vast disparities between their lives and those of children in war-torn regions.

The students learned about the role of the United Nations and the sessions included a discussion of the UN’s foundational purpose: maintaining international peace and security since its establishment following World War II. While acknowledging the organisation’s limitations, the talks emphasised its achievements and ongoing role in conflict resolution and humanitarian support.

The session also highlighted how local involvement through the United Nations Association (UNA) Coventry allows individuals to contribute meaningfully to global awareness, advocacy, and education. The students were encouraged to contribute to fostering peace and security while developing their professional skills and advancing their careers.

Cardinal Newman students responded with thoughtful questions and reflections, demonstrating a deep interest in both the subject matter and the broader mission of peacebuilding. A particularly inspiring moment occurred when students inquired about the personal motivations behind the presenters’ work and why we volunteer our time and efforts in UNA Coventry. This dialogue not only clarified our purpose but also inspired students to reflect on their roles in creating a more just and peaceful world. Inspiringly, some students expressed interest in joining us.

So what was the impact of these presentations?

• Increased student understanding of the issue of child soldiers.
• Fostered a sense of global responsibility and awareness.
• Strengthened community ties between UNA Coventry and students in Coventry.
• Sparked conversations about career paths in international relations, human rights, and peacebuilding.
• Inspired children in community outreach and volunteering activities.

Conclusion

The sessions were both powerful and productive. They reminded us all of the importance of education, dialogue, and individual action in addressing global challenges. In closing, students were left with a call to action: What can you do to promote peace?