This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the Bridge Builders Programme (BBP), an experience that far exceeded my expectations. I had hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict, but what I truly left with was so much more than that.

It was a profound sense of connection, solidarity, and hope for a future where people, no matter how different, can come together to transcend their differences and cultivate peace.

As a Member of UK Youth Parliament for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, my campaign focuses on tackling misinformation, fostering media literacy, and promoting dialogue among diverse communities. Joining the BBP wasn’t just about learning the facts—it was about equipping myself with the tools needed to further my work. The conversations, skills, and connections I formed during those five days have directly strengthened my commitment to building bridges in my own community.


 

My most powerful experience

One of the most powerful experiences was engaging in scriptural reasoning — a beautiful process where we explored sacred texts across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We explored the texts that shape our faiths, finding not just theological commonalities, but shared values for peace and justice. Visiting both the synagogue and mosque further deepened this connection, highlighting the beautiful threads that unite us. 

These moments were a reminder of how vital interfaith dialogue is—not just for understanding, but for healing.

The panel discussions with Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders were among the most impactful sessions. Hearing their personal stories of struggle and witnessing their unwavering commitment to peace, despite living amidst ongoing conflict, left a lasting imprint on me.

Their dedication fills me with hope and their resilience reminds me that even in the most challenging circumstances, there are always those who will choose dialogue over division, and peace over hatred.

These personal stories, combined with expert discussions and workshops, have provided me with new skills in conflict resolution, which I am eager to apply in the interfaith youth forum I am organizing within my constituency.
 

Embracing complexity

The programme also sharpened my understanding of the complex layers of the Israel-Palestine conflict—its historical, political, and religious dimensions. While it can feel overwhelming, this deeper understanding has empowered me to address polarization in my own school and community, where conversations around such topics often veer into harmful rhetoric. It has also reinforced the urgency of my campaign to promote media literacy as a tool to combat misinformation, inspired by Finland’s educational model.

Ultimately, the Bridge Builders Programme gave me more than just insight into a distant conflict; it has given me practical tools to address the very real divisions in my own environment. It has renewed my belief that change is not only possible, but necessary.

The friendships I made, the lessons I learned, and the stories I heard have all filled me with hope and strengthened my resolve to push forward with my campaign. Now, more determined than ever, I continue my work in the UK Youth Parliament, advocating for media literacy and fostering spaces for interfaith dialogue.

Take the leap

To any young person considering applying for this programme, I urge you to take the leap. It’s not just about learning the facts of a conflict - it’s about learning how to build bridges in a world that desperately needs them. It’s about meeting people who will inspire you, challenge you, and walk with you as you work to make a difference.
 

I feel hope

As I look back on my time at the Bridge Builders Programme, I feel an immense sense of hope.

Hope that young people like us can lead the way in promoting peace and understanding.
Hope that no matter how deep the divisions seem, there are always paths to reconciliation.
And hope that, together, we can build a future where empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect prevail over hate and division.

I look forward to carrying the lessons I’ve learned into my future work and watching the ripples of this programme extend far and wide, as more young people come together to challenge division and build a world grounded in empathy and unity

The Bridge Builders Programme is Solutions Not Sides' flagship youth engagement programme, bringing together 16-19 year olds for a week to learn about Israel-Palestine, interfaith dialogue and leadership development, while spending it with Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders.

Applications for our 2025 edition are open now, to find out more, head to https://solutionsnotsides.co.uk/sns-bridge-builders-programme.