15 year old Natasha Kay signed up for the World Peace Programme and came back knowing how to whirl like a dervish.

My heart was set on attending the World Peace Programme in the Czech Republic after being inspired by one of its founders, Professor Suheil Bushrui, holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland.

We arrived at the Townshend International School in Hluboka, our home for the next three weeks, with rain on the horizon. But what was lacking in the weather at the start, was made up by the warm welcome of young people from all over the world who had already arrived.

We began the university-like study course bright and early the next day. At first I was shocked at how much work we were expected to do and just how intense these three weeks were going to be. Each day had a programme with different classes. First, a talk by Professor Bushrui followed by a study session on one of the major world religions. This was followed by a movement class where we started getting to know each other a lot better with drama games and hilarious improvisations. We also learned some yoga, tai-chi, Sufi whirling and Jewish dances.

Each Sunday we had an uplifting gathering prepared by a committee of students. At the first gathering, we elected a model assembly, charged with dealing with any problems that might arise. The World Peace Programme of 2004 seemed brilliant in all aspects. I came back a different person, inspired and wanting to know more. But it was not completely over when we left. Homework was issued for each month of the year with certain books we now have to study and tasks - such as starting an inter faith dialogue group and keeping track of the state of the world. Keeping the flame of the World Peace Programme is a never-ending task!

NK

Townshend International School in Hluboka, Czech Republic.