SofI 2015: A week of "Sharing inspiration that shapes lives"

A WEEK OF "SHARING INSPIRATION THAT SHAPES LIVES"

After six days of creating, sharing and inspiring, the “Seeds of Inspiration” conference has come to an end. With a strong focus on sharing stories and experiences, many new insights were gained.

During plenaries people came together to listen and learn from each other. For example, during one session Odette shared her personal struggles with her identity. She had grown up with two names and her entire life these had been at conflict with each other. Often she was ridiculed for having a “strange” Vietnamese name – a name that was not her own. She much more identified with Odette. Many in the audience were unaware of the pain she had felt and the power a simple thing such as a name could hold. Her story raised an intercultural awareness amongst the participants, that can often be overlooked.

Another highlight of the conference was the commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of the first atomic bomb drop. The commemoration was emotional and moving, but also a hopeful reminder of the change that can be brought on by working together. Read more here.

Participants of the “Seeds of Inspiration” conference had the opportunity to attend different workshops every day. Some were more activity based: Learning how to juggle or mastering the art of Japanese-style woodcarving. Other workshops allowed participants to explore their most inner feelings with questions such as: What defines you? Or is there really a place for everyone?

The days were enriched through evening performances. From musicals to plays and puppet shows, participants of the conference enjoyed something new every night. The Intermission Theatre in Education from London inspired the audience with their talent and energy, and set an example on finding strength through art and community. The theatre group brings together young people and helps them escape from the hardships of life.

As Aeschylus said: “From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow”, and the seed that has been planted here at Caux will just continue growing.

• For more information on Seeds of Inspiration, click here.
• For more information on Intermission Youth Theare in Education, click here.