Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s charity in the UK kicked off its work to support the Tutu Global Forgiveness Challenge 2014, with an exciting programme of activity involving local groups at Sutton Life Centre. The event included a visit from David Laws, Minister for Education, along with Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow. Who both spoke with the Tutu Foundations trained Youth Facilitators and heard about the Foundation's work.

Over 100 people took part in the evening event which included films, workshops and a sneak preview of the latest film from the global campaign group, Peace-One-Day. The Tutu Foundation UK – have taken up Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s challenge to the world to forgive and will in the coming weeks be promoting the Tutu Global Forgiveness Challenge, which is a free, 30-day online event based on The Book of Forgiving to help everyone learn how to forgive in their own lives.

At a panel chaired by Cllr Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council, invited groups heard from Ray and Vi Donovan, whose own son Chris was tragically murdered by a group of youths in 2001. Crystal Palace FC Foundation also joined in by supporting a Tutu Peace Five-A-Side Tournament, which brought together over 30 young people from across the Sutton borough.

Alexandra Ankrah, Chief Executive of the Tutu Foundation, remarked: “We were both delighted and pleased by the turnout, because our starting point is getting people to work in partnership and we know people want to help promote peaceful neighbourhoods. Building bridges in communities means we can all help build peace.”

The Tutu Foundation is working across London to support young and not so young people, in developing conflict prevention strategies. The work of the Foundation is inspired by the global peace and restorative justice work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as the lessons learned from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa.

For more information on the work of the Tutu Foundation us visit: www.tutufoundationuk.org Based on information supplied by Amissah.