Global Dignity Day – October 20th
This year Barka UK organized the Dignity Day in the House of Lords in partnership with the Salvation Army and “Dignify” Social Enterprise.
The event was attended by over 40 participants including 20 students from schools and colleges from across London as well as representatives of the UK Government and the House of Lords.
The programme was opened by participants viewing a video message from the Initiators of the Global Dignity Day: Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, President Obamaâs Advisor John Bryant and Professor Pekka Himanen.
Thereafter the students and guests were invited to take part in the Poverty Activity where they were performing different social roles trying to put themselves in the shoes of people who are rejected and who find themselves in very difficult social and economic situations.
The most important element of the programme was the presentation of dignity stories shared by the Leaders of Self-Help groups of the Barka Network/Poland and the Resident of the Salvation Army hostel in London.
These stories about the struggle and fight for dignity and the victory of a dignified life made a deep impression on the listeners.
Students asked questions on the mechanisms of addiction, motivation for change and the role of faith.
One of the students said that thanks to those life examples of dignity, he perceived the Five Dignity Principles* in a new light and a new context.
Students were very active when it comes to sharing reflections on developing dignity attitudes in themselves and others through assisting those less privileged with overcoming their crises situations.
Lord Redesdale, the youngest Peer in the House of Lords, summed up the event and spoke about the role of dignity in political spheres.
The Initiators of the Global Dignity Day approached Barka UK with a request to receive the film material of the event so they can send it out to partners around the world.
*Dignity Principles
1. Every human being has a right to lead a dignified life.
2. A dignified life means an opportunity to fulfill one’s potential, which is based on having a human level of health care,
education, income and security.
3. Dignity means having the freedom to make decisions on oneâs life and to be met with respect for this right.
4. Dignity should be the basic guiding principle for all actions.
5. Ultimately, our own dignity is interdependent with the dignity of others.