The 25 March 2014, 3FF received the Doha International Award for Interfaith Dialogue for its schools work. The award was presented at the 11th Doha International Conference for Interfaith Dialogue held 25-27 March in Qatar. 3FF won the Best Organization Award that celebrates interfaith work with an impact on society in general but on youth in particular.
3FF Director Stephen Shashoua, who accepted the award, said: “This award recognises the many hours that not only we put in but also that of our beneficiaries and stakeholders be they the teachers, children, university students, artists, partner organisations, and others.”
The conference is held yearly and aims to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence among followers of different faiths. This year, the prize was allocated to projects around the world that promote dialogue of youth from different backgrounds. The crucial role of youth in society was mentioned by Stephen: “They are not only our future, but our precious present as well. We must assist them in navigating the rich tapestry that is humanity”.
3FF’s Schools work promotes understanding among students of different faiths and beliefs in UK schools through its School Linking Programme and Education Workshops. In 2013, 3FF educational work reached more than 11,000 young people and trained more than 1,000 people, including teachers, educators or leaders.
Stephen explained that the Award will help 3FF reach more schools, hopefully in different cities around the UK with little or no faith diversity. “It will be a reminder for us to strive further, to measure up to the ideals and promise of interfaith”.
