Thanks Mr Blair – but stop the war
Tony Blair's recent visit to Firth Park Community Arts College put the school at the centre of a media frenzy. For some young people it was a cause for celebration. For others it prompted questions about why the Government appears to be leading the country into war. Young journalists from the locally-based news service Children's Express investigated.
| Violence never solves anything. Many innocent lives will be lost because of someone’s carelessness for others. |
Prime Minister Tony Blair seemed to put the wrangles over war with Iraq temporarily aside when he visited Firth Park Community Arts College.
But while he and Home Secretary David Blunkett enjoyed jamming with the college's band, a handful of peace protestors yards from the school gates were a reminder that not everyone was feeling so upbeat about his visit.
Many young people within the college were positive about the event.
They recognised that the PM visiting their school will have raised its profile in Sheffield and beyond.
Twelve-year-old Chris Byne, who was part of a dance team that performed for Mr Blair, said: "More important people should come to our school because we benefited from his comments when he has seen the school."
The Premier's speech at the end of his visit focused on young people and the value of education.
He told his audience: "A country that cares about the education of its young people is a country that will be successful in the future. When I come here I can feel there is a pride in what you've achieved and even greater hope for the future."
But there are young people in Blunkett's own constituency, Brightside, who have serious misgivings about the future, particularly war with Iraq.
Jasmine Stewart, aged 16, gave a thoughtful farewell address to Mr Blair, but later she was asked whether she agreed with his stance on war. Her simple response was 'no': "We sang some songs today. I hope he listened carefully to them because we children are the future. It's affecting everyone who has a lifetime ahead of them."
Miriam Yafai, 16, from Shiregreen, said: "I don't think we are going to achieve much by driving the Iraqi people into more turmoil.
"The number of children killed by the sanctions on Iraq has been absolutely atrocious - these sanctions are still killing 5,000 children a month."
The theme was picked up by Brook-Leigh Wright, 14, of Rotherham: "Violence never solves anything. Many innocent lives will be lost because of someone's carelessness for others."
Brook-Leigh highlighted a real worry for many young people about the negative effects on British multiracial communities that have taken years to build.
"Iraqi people who live in Britain will be appalled that we have gone to war and they will not know where to turn - whether to stay loyal to their mother-country or the country where they now live.
"If I had the chance to give Mr Blair advice, I would tell him that we are an independent country and should not follow others.
"He has to do what he thinks is right for all and to listen to the British people."
Jodie Mitchell, 15, of Firth Park, added: "War will make enormous differences in Britain to how we live our everyday lives.
"Our reasonable certainty in the future will be destroyed because we don't know what will happen. Many young people in Britain will be deeply upset by this."
Mr Blair's visit to Firth Park brought praise from education circles, as he kept a three year old promise to come to the college.
But for other young people in north Sheffield, some important questions still remain unanswered.
About the team
This story was produced by Sarah Choudhury, 17 and Sabrina Golding, 16, with Jasmine Stewart, 16. It was published in the Sheffield Star.
