Blue Skies and Hope

When I studied post-conflict societies, we looked at the different approaches that countries took to find justice and reconciliation, in South Africa, Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Rwanda. Every example had similar reasoning for apartheid, genocide and conflict – some form of colonialism, ethnic or religious discrimination, coupled with an international community that didn’t engage and condemn swiftly enough.

And we see a similar theme in Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The story and fate of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island, themes of democracy, war, fear, leadership, the end of innocence and death. I’ve been reflecting on how Simon and Piggy died in the story, how they were considered outsiders and different, how both seemed to recognise something about the island that the others didn’t, and in their speaking out they were silenced.

I often wonder what it is that continuously leads to us justify silencing, excluding and destroying a people who may seem different to us? And why those who stand for and speak out against injustice are consistently punished by those who hold greater power.

I am a woman of faith and never cease to have hope. But the levels of anti-Muslim violence, racism and policing of our communities – has left me feeling frustrated and worried. I know that so many families, young people and educators will be returning to school feeling similarly about what happened over the summer. How do we support each other through this? How do we give our young people, particularly from racialised communities confidence and the knowledge that they belong and have agency to create positive change?  How do we bring hope to our communities?

For me, and although it is rare in rainy London, blue skies bring me hope. Blue skies for me is a deep calming breath, it is a hug that says “don’t worry, I got you”, it is a beautiful friend reminding you “everything is going to be ok, have patience”, it is joy and love and a constant reminder that nothing on this earth is forever. This time will pass and with it will come greater resolve to connect as a community, to support each other and to stand for love and justice.

It is time for us to build and invest in our communities, and to reach out to those who may not be within “your” communities. We have to develop the critical thinking skills in our young people, and adults too so that they can decipher between what builds and what breaks community. There can’t be hope without action, what will you do to bring about hope in the spaces you work in?

I hope this new academic year brings us the blue skies we all need.

– Faaria Ahmad, Global Learning London