Students from a variety of local schools currently studying the Level 2 ICT Diploma at Ashton Sixth Form College have been working together to prepare for World Religion Day.  Jordanna Oldham, Leo Orchard, Callum Bowater, Daniel Eades, Frank Donald, Simeera Alam, Elliot Forde and Alex Ogden, were helped by college chaplain Rev. Jean Hurlston, to create the event.

Representatives from the Rochdale Dawah and the Gideons Bible Society described the event as being well managed and a hive of activity in the Student Centre. The Gideons successfully handed out the boxes of Bibles they arrived with.

The free Henna Tattoos were the most popular offering at the event with plenty of people lining up to receive their Henna, including some quirky designs including a dog and even people’s own names. The displays on offer gave students useful information on religions such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity, with a lot of artefacts and interesting displays on show to get people interested in taking a look and learning a little more about other religions.

Feedback from students told us that the event looked ‘different from the norm’ and more hands on. We were told the representatives for each group were friendly and knowledgeable and that they especially loved the Henna on offer, our optional donation pot helped us break even on the costs of the Henna and more.

Elliot Forde

Facilitator for the group Rev. Jean Hurleston commented;

‘Despite a slightly bumpy start, the day turned out to be a great success through the organisation the students had in running it. It proved to be a popular day and I was surprised at the positive outcome at the end of it.’