S.O.R.D.S.


	*How did the idea start?*

In late July 2004 I spoke to a couple whilst out canvassing, the first of many voters on the door step, who called for the return of national service, stating the obvious benefits: self-discipline, a sense of duty, pride, etc.

Although a member of the TA at the time, the Butler Report had been recently published on the Iraqi invasion and I outlined the obvious objections. I felt in the eyes of our youth (and their parents) the Labour government had little, if any, moral credibility.

However, I considered my own experience and understanding of the younger generation, and I did suggest an "overseas service".

At the time, Sudan was in the news and I felt there was a clear need for volunteers. From my experience in the TA, I know exactly what the younger generation can be trained to do in as little as 6 or 12 weeks.

Since then, I have developed the idea to propose a service based around 3 branches: recon-struction, paramedics & public health and peer-to-peer education.

Many towns & villages take years to recover from the devastation of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The public health services of many countries struggle to cope with the demand on services coupled with the vast geographic areas they have to cover and the same is often true for many education systems.

So much could be achieved by an “army” of volunteers, properly equipped and resourced to help deliver assistance to shattered communities, and to provide support to hard pressed health and education services around the world.

I feel this would also be an opportunity to tap into the nation’s youth, harness their energy and focus their collective social conscience, an opportunity to build a service drawn from volunteers spanning Scotland’s religion spectrum including the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths amongst others.

I have no doubts, properly trained, focused and lead our nation’s youth can do amazing work.

As it is, many of the electorate feel the Government does little to help our friends overseas or, indeed, our youth. This would be an opportunity to address both of these crucial issues.

The benefits could be immeasurable.

All of the merits of national service would be achieved, whilst out with a military environment.

We have arranged a public meeting to outline the proposed service, it will be held on Wednesday 25^th, 7pm at the Central Edinburgh Mosque, 50 Potterrow. All welcome.


	What is peer-to-peer education? The concept was first developed by the Rev. Dr Andrew Bell of the East India Company in the late 1700’s. For some background on this subject, visit this link.


	I feel this could help many partner countries towards their goal of universal free education.


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