May 14, 2003
Meeting with Dr. Ardawan Lalui

The Administrative Director of an international boarding school visited Swindon recently to promote an holistic approach to education.
Dr. Ardawan Lalui talked to a gathering in West Swindon about the school, which is located in the Czech Republic and situated in a small town called Hluboka. In its tenth year the school moved to its own campus upon a beautiful hillside, overlooking distant lakes and a 13th century castle.

Currently, students and staff from over 30 countries are studying and working at the school. Young people between the age of 13 and 19 are taught how to

resolve conflicts and learn how to make the right decisions. They are trained and encouraged to take responsibility for their own well-being and that of society. Please visit: www.townshend.cz for further information on the Townshend International School.

May 15, 2003
Working Learners' Awards 2003

Outstanding learning in the Swindon Bahá’í Projects Office was celebrated during the national Learning at Work week. Three volunteers, who assist in projects run by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Swindon, received certificates from Dr. Penny Hackett, Executive Director at the Learning and Skills Council.
Martin Kümmel received a Working Learners Award for learning the skills necessary to help co-ordinate Swindon Bahá’í community activities, as the volunteer Community Development Co-ordinator. Martin also received the award for designing and launching the Swindon Bahá’í Website (www.swindon-bahais.org). Furthermore, he helped in the production of the “Spirit of Swindon” video, which included conducting interviews as well as learning filming and editing skills.
Barbara Bridges received her Working Learners Award for her services in the Swindon Youth Empowerment Project. After completing a Facilitator Training course last year, Barbara is now one of the key facilitators in the youth project and has been appointed on to its management committee.
Tracy Randall-Smith received the award for her services in the Swindon Youth Empowerment Project and for setting up a permanent Zone at her children’s local Primary School.

May 15, 2003
Tranquillity Zone at Nationwide

Staff at Nationwide Building Society had never seen anything like it. Out went tables, chairs and computers from their training room, and in came the Tranquillity Zone!
Drapes, flowers and candles all helped to transform the room from a Stress Zone to a Tranquillity Zone. The Tranquillity Zone was set up by the Bahá’ís of Swindon as part of Learning at Work Week, when members of staff enjoyed taster Tranquillity Zone sessions during their busy working day.
Fidelma Meehan, Bahá’í Projects Co-ordinator, said: “The Tranquillity Zone is an oasis of calm and well-being for the body, mind and soul. It’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can take time to relax and reflect.”
Employees at Nationwide described the experience as uplifting, calming, relaxing and thought-provoking.

June 12, 2003
Year of Service opportunity in Swindon

Our current full-time volunteer from Germany is about to leave at the end of June. The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Swindon is now looking for someone who is interested in doing a year of service in Swindon. If you are interested in finding out more about this position or know someone that is looking for a year of service place, please feel free to enquire at: projects@swindon-bahais.org or call 01793-465715.

June 13, 2003
Swindon Youth Empowerment Project

It’s a busy time for this innovative new project. In May/June'03 we’re working with over 25 young people from four different Wiltshire schools and youth organisations on our level 1 and 2 programmes. There have also been some exciting, fresh developments.
TRAINING: 10 adventurous adults from various professional backgrounds joined the SYEP for facilitator training through May and June. This training programme, open to anyone who is touched by the Project and wishes to help deliver it’s courses, has been devised to share not only the methodology of the programmes, but the concepts behind SYEP’s success. Once training is complete, these individuals will be volunteering a few hours of their time each week to help Swindon’s young people discover their ‘gems’ of potential. Only with this volunteering effort can the SYEP hope to serve the many schools, youth organisations, and young people interested in the programme.
LEVEL 3: One of the first groups of young people to complete the earlier levels of the programme is still with SYEP and moving on to fresh territory! These committed youth are currently piloting Level 3 of the programme, and beginning to provide a regular service of Tranquillity Zones for their peers. Watch this space for further developments!