YOUNGSTERS became advocates for peace as they took part in a weekend of activities and workshops.

Students from Fort Hill Community School joined 14 to 18-year-olds from across the globe at the annual PeaceJam Conference at the University of Winchester.

The event was part of an international peace education programme led by Nobel Peace Prize winners, including former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama and Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi.

It aimed to help teenagers become advocates for peace, justice and human rights.

The youngsters from the school in Kenilworth Road, Winklebury, learnt about the work of charities including Walk for Water and Tools for Self-Reliance and about international volunteering and global citizenship.

They also got the chance to try a style of Indian and Pakistani dancing called Bhangra, watch a play about child labour called Surya’s Story and speak to Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams about her work to ban landmines.

Fort Hill Community School’s RE teacher, Tori Blair said: “It was an inspiring opportunity, demonstrating the potential each of us has to make the world a better place. Our students were exceptional.”

Year 11 student Rachel Saunders said: “It made me realise that I should get involved in change, rather than being a passer-by in life.”

For more information about PeaceJam, visit peacejam.org.