RENDEL SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE IN GLOBAL ISSUES

11.27.01am GMT Tue 23rd Nov 2004

David Rendel MP is supporting a youth-led charity's campaign to make young people aware of the impact of their lives on the developing world.

Development in Action is run entirely by young volunteers who aim to promote global citizenship by improving understanding of development issues and encouraging greater engagement in them among young people in the UK.

Mr Rendel is co-sponsoring a House of Commons reception this evening to celebrate Development in Action's 10th Anniversary.

Mr Rendel said:

"The idea of 'global citizenship' has seldom been more important to the future peace and prosperity of our world. That is why organisations like Development in Action are so important. Their achievement is all the more inspiring because it is run entirely by young volunteers.

"I hope that even more young people will take the opportunities offered by Development in Action to take part in placements in India and that their outreach work will reach as wide an audience as possible."

Visit www.developmentinaction.org for more information.

ENDS

Notes:

1) Established in 1994, Development in Action (formerly known as Student Action India) aims to promote global citizenship by improving the understanding of development issues and encouraging greater engagement in them among young people in the UK.

2) More than 160 young people have volunteered with locally-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India on placements organised by Development in Action. On their return to the UK these volunteers work to encourage interest in global issues in their local communities. Outreach activities in the UK include a quarterly magazine reaching students, teachers and careers offices; a Development Education Resource Base (videos, workshops, games); and individual projects produced by each volunteer, including talks to local schools. For further information, visit www.developmentinaction.org

3) Development in Action is currently recruiting volunteers for two and five month placements with non-governmental organisations in India in 2005-06.