An evening with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

Thursday, 16 July 2009 | posted by scott.forbes
Activism, Climate change, Education, General

An evening with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales... 

Yesterday myself, Charlie, Simona and Natasha, were invited to attend the British Council's 75th Anniversary at the Royal Chelsea Hospital, celebrating the achievements and activities that young people have gained through the British Council's various programmes. The evening was rather upbeat and lively, with a wide range of exhibitions from the various key sectors of the British Council including; the Arts, Science and English teaching with the main emphasis being on Education.

The event was full of at least 100 other young like minded inspirational people, one project in particular which caught my eye, was the British Council's International Climate Champions. Who recently took part in a voyage to Cape Farewell, reporting back on the effects global warming is having on the Arctic, using one anothers specialist skills to do so. Whether this was through blogging, photography or recording videos as evidence, which can then be used to draw attention, to the issues of climate change in an imaginative way. That is exactly what there exhibition clearly done, with the display of some fantastic images, as well as the well written graphical articles. We were also treated to a number of rich cultural performances, which consisted of a well put together African dance routine, a musical display of drums and a rather moving recital of rap and poetry.

There were also a number of other guests other than young people, of whom we had a number of interesting conversations with, in particular the BBC's Nik Gowing who spent a fare amount of  time taking an interest in each of our activism fields. As well as the likes of Serial Entrepreneur of 'easyGroup' Sir Stelios Haji-loannou, who took a great interest in the Global Changemakers programme, and was generally amazed by the work we are achieving as Changemakers. We also had the opportunity to meet with the Rt.Hon David Lammy MP, who is the UK's Minister of Higher Education, but ultimately David is one of the youngest MP's to preside in the House of Commons.

All four of us were also given the honour and chance to meet HRH Prince Charles, whom without a doubt is an inspiration to each and everyone of us, probably being one of the most iconic leading activists in the field of Climate Change withover 25 years experience. The Prince took a great interest in our individual activism and was generally thoroughly impressed, but also intrigued by the overall Global Changemakers programme, spending a generous amount of time with each and everyone of us.

On the whole the evening was rather splendid, with the British Council yet again showing their dedication and commitment to Young People, recognising the fact as British Council Trustee Nihal Arthanayake stated 'Young People are the future leaders'. All that is left to say is thank you and HAPPY 75th Birthday British Council!