Source: The Independent
The last few days have been dreadful. Yet amongst the hatred is a shining light of hope and reassurance. The people of Manchester and far further have come together. Political leaders have stopped the mud-slinging contest of the general election (for now). For me, one of the phrases that has stuck with me comes from Colin Parry OBE. On the topic of terrorism, we need to prevent gaps widening in our society, encourage diversity at a local level, and in response to the calls to 'throw them out our country', Mr Parry says no. 'Throw them in to our peace centre' he says.
This is a man who has experienced what many of the Manchester victims' families will be experiencing. It's difficult for anyone to comprehend the barbaric loss of a child, teenager, young adult, mums and dads, who were simply enjoying life. For Colin Parry, the story is similar. His son, Tim Parry, was one of the victims of the Warrington IRA bomb attack in 1993. His accounts are well documented as are his natural emotional responses in the aftermath of the attack.
The Foundation for Peace, set up by Colin Parry and his wife Wendy, was in response to attempts to bring peace to a troubled Northern Ireland in the 1990s. Since then, there has been an evolution of peace brought to the streets of Northern Ireland; the threat of terrorism has not gone away. For so many young people, the events of the 2000s and 2010s has seen the shift of how terrorist atrocities are carried out. Colin Parry is the embodiment of peace and this is how the foundation describes what it does:
"We do not take sides, we are not aligned to any conflict, we are not faith or political based and we do not pursue causes such as justice or truth."
At first glance, it may seem undue for such an organisation not to seek the truth. But tackling terrorism and extremists is not about truth. The great work of the Greater Manchester police force will deal with investigating the truth and seeking some sort of comfort and justice for the families affected – notably by unraveling the network of terrorist connections.
Colin Parry is a man who speaks compassionate sense in difficult circumstances. As does Andy Burnham, Metro Mayor for Greater Manchester. Both appeared on the BBC's Question Time in the days after the Manchester bomb. It wasn't about taking sides or showing how political parties will respond. It was about coming together, uniting, and pausing to understand how peace can be achieved.
All panelists on that edition of Question Time were in large agreement. Tackling terror plots requires more than simply shutting Britain's borders and hoping such cowards don't find their way in. The police and intelligence services will already be foiling terrorist activity as you read this – and the work they do which we are not fully aware of is something that we should be thankful for.
So how do you stop or flush out terrorist activity? Well it's difficult. As the panelists on Question Time agreed it comes down to the 'grassroots' of communities across the United Kingdom. The terrorist who brought Manchester together in its darkest period was a student at a local university; he lived in Greater Manchester's suburbs; he was born in the UK just like millions of others. Yet he turned on his own city, targeting the youngest and most innocent. It is not for me to judge what he did in the weeks, months, possibly years, in the run up to the attack. What is almost certain, however, is that somewhere along the line he was radicalised. His behaviour probably changed, his thoughts and perspective more than likely differed from those he previously had. His brain became washed with this evil. There is no finger pointing to be had either as to who could have stopped him and so on. It simply does not assist the situation at this time.
Britain is now a multicultural, multinational island of communities. Everyone, from religious groups to the average atheist college student, has a duty to be vigilant. It may be difficult to identify a change in someones behaviour which may indicate they are identifying with extremist views. That is where Colin Parry and his peace centre come in.
The Foundation for Peace works on the following stages:
Transforming communities
Advocacy – training people to raise the difficult issues
Sharing experiences – the charity is a safe environment for people to come and share their backgrounds and gain support.
Dialogue – a crucial communication link between conflicting parties to help understand eachother and challenge prejudices
Conflict resolution – understanding why conflict happens and how it can be dealt with a non-violent way.
Leadership – allowing people to take back their skills to their own communities.
The Peace Centre in Warrington exists as a result of bereaved parents who came back from a troubled Northern Ireland full in the knowledge that they could make a difference. The threat of terrorism is very much a different scale to that of when The Foundation for Peace was set up. But that doesn't mean its values, ethics and purposes should be any different.
The Peace Centre can teach anyone, those who need help or those who simply want to learn. It is not about alienating people, it's not about making assumptions, it's not about segregating communities. There may be little comfort for the city of Manchester at present but on this truly awful week, people like Colin Parry and organisations like The Foundation for Peace are needed more than ever.
Blog, Blogging, Communities, Community, Journalism, Manchester, News, Peace, Terrorism, United Kingdom
Two years ago was the last blog post I produced on this WordPress site. Now, I feel the time is about right to return. Why the long absence?
Coincidentally, my last blog post was about being an active student and how you could make the most out of distance learning; I am an Open University student and, contrary to wide belief, there are ways to get out and have some fun. In 2015, I set up the Open University Students Association Young Students group. The aim – a platform for OU students at the lower age of the spectrum. Around 25% of all Open University undergraduates are 18-25 years old. Add in to the equation that the OU has the largest number of students at one institution and you soon realise that's a vast number of students. Many thousands, infact.
The focus of the group has been on making the OU more accessible for younger people and allowing students (those who may have previously not engaged with the university) to interact with the students association. Alongside, I created the blog site @YoungOUStudents which was another way to allow younger students to express their feelings and thoughts on the university experience through writing. I've not exactly been away from blogging.
I have, however, been practicing my presenting voice. I have been presenting on the OU Students radio programme (STUDIO) over the past 18 months or so. It's a brilliant exercise and something that I am passionate about. Plus it is a laugh…not so much when things go wrong!
Two years later and my student life is drawing to its close; my final module concludes in June. Part of the reason for not blogging about my personal experiences and thoughts was simply time – it's a fickle thing. You either have too much or too little of it. I had to focus on my studies and now I can return from the hiatus/wilderness/sinkhole to do something I love – writing and offering thoughts on one thing or another.
A lot has changed in the world in two years. Half of those faces who were 'iconic' – Corbett, Wogan, Rickman et al. have left us. The world has changed. In the UK, the land is led by women – May and Sturgeon. Though, heads seem to be clashing frequently. Cross the Atlantic and one finds a celebrity businessman at the helm of the "free world". I use inverted commas since most times the media try to report on the "free world" they are accused of not doing so. It is an unusual and, at times, largely uncomfortable set up.
Television has changed too. Top Gear, possibly the most important programme in history, has undergone massive changes. It evolved in to The Grand Tour when Jeremy Clarkson and co left the BBC after THAT altercation. Back at the Beeb the rush to get the new Top Gear on screens, the defensive mite was confident it didn't need the self-diagnosed loudmouth. It was a poor show. Things have progressed but the BBC Top Gear is simply a car show now.
I have also read a book. The first in a couple of years (except university text books). It was written by Peter Sissons, a fellow proud Liverpudlian/Scouser. I liked his take on Liverpool of days gone-by and his first-hand accounts of reporting from war zones, and creating them in the newsrooms he has worked in.
An obsession (not a sadistic one) has developed too. I'm now a self-confessed gym-goer. Nearly 4 times a week. Though on beautiful spring days, I wonder why I am driving to a large, converted warehouse to run on a treadmill when the world and environment around me is so appealing. One of the psychological benefits of sport and fitness is how positive and fresh your mind feels after a workout. So much so that I do not feel guilty about an Indian or Chinese takeaway and thus I need to return to the gym to burn off the consumed calories. It's a vicious circle. Then again, without the gym, I wouldn't be able to clamber in to the slim fit jeans I now occupy.
Feel free to follow my (not so) interesting thoughts on Twitter – @jackjevons_ – that's another change. I'll be updating this blog with my observations as and when they happen (or shortly after).
Blogging, Inspiration, Journalism, Life, Media, Motivation, positive, Positivity, Radio, Student, The Open University, Truth, Writing
Open University Student Association
Are you an active student? What do you think an active student does? In your mind who is an active student?
When I tell people, subtly, I am part of the Open University North West Regional Assembly Executive they look at me with confused and dazed expressions. 'Oh right. What is that?' they say.
Let me tell you, it's a great title and it is a great role. There are so many ways you can get involved with student life, even though you are probably a million miles away from campus and fellow students. Well not entirely. In fact some of your fellow students could be right on your doorstep.
For me, I wanted a challenge. Take a role and stick at it. I have done so far. Plus why not make the most of the distance learning experience by going beyond studying. Effectively, the Regional Executive is a group of elected students that helps in running the region. Whether it be the North West or East Midlands, there are groups across the UK and the world.
It can be a little daunting at first, getting involved and not quite know what you are doing. Getting your feet under the table is step number one. Step number two is knowing what to do. Maybe I haven't quite mastered the latter just yet.
In the few months I've been in the role, I've held an online meeting, welcomed students to a face-to-face meeting, set up the @OUstudentsNW Twitter feed and things seem to be taking some sort of shape. There are lots of exciting things ahead – consultative meetings where the student voice is heard; training sessions; and some more social events and discussions.
You can do anything to become an active student. Writing for the OU magazine, coming along to a meeting or posting in the forums, engaging on Twitter, helping out at graduation ceremonies or even volunteering to help other students.
There are societies and groups at http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa which you can join. If none take your fancy then why not set one up yourself. You never know, it may just catch on.
To me, the student voice is very important. I enjoy reading comments on the forums about ideas and suggestions for the region. Better still it's great to interact with some of the OU's newer students and show how anyone can get involved.
If you have any ideas about events, groups or ways to raise money for charity then feel free to contact me or the OU Students Association.
Interact online
You may not want to meet face-to-face or you may simply not have the time. Head over to the online forums at http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa and you can chat with students from your area, take part in lively debates, or even just say hello in the Welcome thread.
On Facebook, there is a great presence as well. http://www.facebook.com/OUstudents is the place where you can interact with the student association. A simple Facebook search can reveal lots of groups set up by fellow students where you can chat in a less formal set-up. You may just find groups for your local area, some online clubs or people from your own age group.
Head over to Twitter where you can simply be overwhelmed by the thousands of students who have an online account. @OUstudents is the one to follow if you want all things from the OU Student Association. There you may also find others interacting and following. Why not give them a follow and build the student community.
You'll also find dedicated accounts to certain subjects such as the arts faculty and the sports department. The Open University Student association in your region also have accounts. @OUstudentsNW, for example, is OUSA in the North West.
For you – why not visit http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa for all information on getting involved or simply say hello in the online forums. You can also follow the Twitter accounts and Facebook to join the growing OU community.
For me – I've got a newsletter to plan, students to listen to and ideas to gather.
If you have any ideas or thoughts please contact me.
Twitter: @JackJevo
Student Email: jack.jevons@my.open.ac.uk
Active Student, Open University, OU, OUStudents, Student, University
Facts about the OU you may not know
Source: The Open University
I am proud to represent and promote The Open University. Why? Because the institution is becoming somewhat of a phenomenon. Shadow Universities Minister, Liam Byrne MP, described The Open University and it's learning and research as a vital part "of the future of Britain."
So, here are a few of the facts you may or may not know about The Open University.
The Open University is in fact the largest university in the UK. With over 200,000 students learning at any one time and 4 in 10 of all UK part-time undergraduates choosing the OU, the university is actually larger than any of the mainstream, campus universities.
FACT: The average age of a new undergraduate is 30. With over a quarter of students aged between 17-25, it is clear that flexibility and opportunities to earn and learn are some of the factors that are influencing younger students.
The National Student Survey (NSS) ranks The Open University in the top ten for student satisfaction. In 2013, the OU came eighth. Student experience included working at their own pace, access to online materials, social networks and facilities in each region. In 2012/2013, the university had a 92% satisfaction rating.
Over 70% of students are in full-time or part-time employment and four out of five FTSE 100 companies have sponsored their staff to take OU courses.
The UK's latest Research Assessment Exercise ranked The Open University in the top third of UK higher education institutions. More than 50% of OU research was assessed as internationally excellent, with 14% as world leading.
The OU is seen as Britain's most important e-learning institution, with research and development in technology to increase access to education. Materials are available through iTunes which has recorded over 60 million downloads. The university emphasises and utilises social media, alongside promoting opportunities to get involved through the student association.
YOU CAN USE ANY UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
The SCONUL access scheme: this allows students from The Open University to use any university library in the UK, whether to have a place of study or simply to borrow a book. I think this is simply a brilliant idea.
The Open University runs special events and meet-ups, face-face tutorials and the OU conference allows students to be involved at the Milton Keynes Campus or online. Utilising social networks and online forums can be very helpful and the SCONUL access scheme allows you in to any university library, so it may be new people from further afield who you meet.
Or so to speak. There are hundreds of free courses to try on OpenLearn which give a flavour of what being an Open University is really about. The OU prides itself on being a world leader in the development of Open Educational Resources and is always trying new ways of teaching and learning.
OU AND BBC
A 41 year partnership between two great institutions. Programmes include Frozen Planet, Bang Goes the Theory and The Money Programme.
Yes. Anyone can. With the support The OU offers, to anybody with any ability is incredible. There is great career guidance and plenty of support from the student support team and tutors. It is an incredibly different and refreshing way of learning.
The place to visit for all things Open University is http://www.open.ac.uk.
Aspiring Journalist, BBC, Earn while you learn, Education, Higher Education, Journalism, Liam Byrne, OpenLearn, OU, Sconul access scheme, studying, The Open University, University, Young students
What's so different about The Open University ?
The time has arrived for many college students across the country to start seriously knuckling down and learning. Why? Because university is probably the beginning of taking life seriously. Obviously, there are many routes students can take but how many have considered The Open University as a viable way to study?
Certainly when I look back a few years, there was much emphasis on mainstream universities whilst those who wanted to work or go in to apprenticeships appeared to be quietly segregated from everybody else. Even I hadn't really heard of The Open University until I discovered a style of learning and earning that would suit me.
What do you think is the stereotypical OU student?
Someone old? Someone mature? Someone who's hit 40 and decided to change their career? What about a school leaver?
Interestingly, the prior stereotypes are being eroded from The Open University. Today, over a quarter of new students to the UK's largest university are aged 18-25.
As a student that fits those figures I can vouch for why so many are turning to distance learning. Certainly, The Open University has undergone a transformation over its forty-five year history.
Today it is technology that dominates OU learning. Study materials are available at the end of a mouse click as are tutors, learning support and a host of online communities. To me, this is distinctive and solid evidence that The Open University is ahead of the game when combining the need for learning and the ease of using the internet, computers and online resources.
Helen Vesty, Assistant Director of Student Services in the North and Midlands, explains why technology is so key to the OU's success: "OU materials are high-quality and students learn in a variety of ways, from face to face tutorials to video conferencing."
"The OU has always used cutting-edge technology to deliver courses, to ensure students can learn when, where and how it suits them, and we are the first UK university to make all undergraduate materials accessible by mobile phone."
The extensive use of technology is certainly attractive if considering The Open University. Also appealing includes the lower tuition fees; a student with the OU will fork out £4,000 less (when studying full time) than a student attending a mainstream university. There are no costs for course materials as these are sent out well in advance, and as 70% of students are in employment, distance learning encourages an earn while you learn scheme.
Teaching is also outstanding. Face-face tutorials, high quality textbooks and a range of online videos and audio materials create an engaging and exciting learning attitude. As a result, The Open University is ranked in the top five of UK universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey.
Obviously The Open University is not for everyone. To study through a distance learning course requires great dedication and motivation as there are no strict timetables to meet and deadlines for assignments are monthly.
Learning away from a campus based university can, at times, be lonely. However, engaging on social media, the OU's student platforms and communicating with Open University events reminds you how many students are sailing the same ship.
I suppose what is best about The Open University is the opportunities to earn whilst learning. The flexible study means you can study when you want to, as long as you put enough effort in. But that is like anything in life.
Whilst I can go out and work, I also thrive on learning something I am genuinely interested in. So whilst it may be difficult to tie down a job and university work at a campus institution, it can be much more flexible balancing working and studying with The Open University.
Liam Byrne MP, Shadow Minister for Universities, Science and Skills, visited the Milton Keynes campus in April and spoke of how the OU's flexible approach must be a part of the "future of Britain".
He said: "Our country needs an 'earn while you learn' revolution – combining work with study."
"Combining work and study allows students to develop personally and professionally at every stage, earning whilst they learn."
"Student experience is vital and having seen first-hand the technology that the OU is developing and enhancing, it is clear that student experience is at the heart of everything it does."
Back to the initial question. What is so different about The Open University? Well, at the same time that the OU is very unique in its approach to learning, encouraging a flexible lifestyle that combines work and study, and really pushing modern technology, there are some similarities to campus universities.
Deadlines still exist, alongside an excellent calibre of tutors and teaching materials. There is great learning support and opportunities to meet other students in the same boat.
Perhaps some of these facts will help digest the brilliance of The Open University:
– The OU is rated in the top five of UK universities in the National Student Survey.
– More than 1.8 million students have been taught, including 15,000 overseas.
– The OU is the UK's largest University.
– 4 in 10 of all UK part-time undergraduates are studying with The Open University.
– Four out of five FTSE 100 companies have sponsored staff to take OU courses.
– Over 70% of students are in full time or part time employment.
– The UK's latest Research Assessment Exercise ranked The Open University in the top third of UK higher education institutions.
Intrigued? Find out more at http://www.open.ac.uk
Distance Learning, OU, Students, The Open University, University