SIXTH formers, who are determined to right wrongs on a global scale, are enlisting the support of their peers.
Richmond Sixth Form College students Katy Jackson and Chloe Timlin have launched an Amnesty International club, which is gathering a following among their classmates.
Katy, 16, of Richmond, was also chosen as one of 20 teenage delegates nationally to travel to Amnesty’s UK headquarters in London, where the Youth Advisory Board discussed how to increase awareness of human rights issues among the young.
The Amnesty club has already helped free a dissident politician in Mexico by signing a 250,000 strong international petition.
The girls have also staged assemblies for Year 7, 8 and 9 students giving them an overview of Amnesty’s work and how it is striving to end torture and unfair imprisonment.
Club members are currently exploring ways to support the Stop Torture Campaign with which Amnesty is exerting pressure on the Governments of the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Morocco and Nigeria.
“With the power of the internet and social media we can now all make a difference, even from Richmond,” said Katy, who hopes one day to work for the United Nations.
Chloe, 17, of Brompton-on-Swale, added: “When you are young you think that everyone has the same quality of life. It was only when we were studying the holocaust that it hit home that this isn’t the case. We are so privileged and now believe that if we have the capability to force change then we should.”
The club is organising fundraising bake sales and will be sending season’s greeting cards to political prisoners around the globe.
Recently the girls met Richmond MP and leader of the House of Commons William Hague, who has a particular interest in human rights and has been campaigning with Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.
Katy added: “Young people from around the world responded to a YouTube campaign against an African warlord who was using child soldiers. Governments have been forced to take action and the US has pledged troops. The internet is amazing as it gives us a voice.”
Religious studies teacher Kate Craven said: “We are very proud of the girls for their commitment to work for social justice and their desire to educate and raise the awareness of younger students in terms of human rights issues.”
Head of humanities Margaret Gibson added: “I am so impressed with the girls’ knowledge of world affairs, their energy and passion for human rights. I’m convinced they will go on to achieve great things and make a difference.”
Both students hope to study politics and international relations at university and plan to continue their work with Amnesty.
