The Dialogue Society Leeds Branch successfully delivered its “Life of a Chickpea” project at Bracken Edge Primary School, engaging around 200 pupils in a series of interactive and thought-provoking sessions. Designed to explore British values, social responsibility, and community cohesion, the project uses the journey of a chickpea as a creative metaphor to help students better understand their role within a diverse society.
Two sessions were held across the day, welcoming pupils from Years 3 to 6. Through imaginative discussion and engaging activities, students were encouraged to reflect on concepts such as democracy, mutual respect, individual liberty, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
The event featured a diverse group of guest speakers from various professional and community backgrounds. In the morning session, pupils heard from Assistant District Commander Asif Mahroof, Bhagat Singh from the Sikh Temple, Reverend Sonia Kasibante of St Martin’s Church, and Councillor Eileen Taylor of Leeds City Council. The afternoon session welcomed Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Kuldip Bharj, alongside returning speakers Bhagat Singh and Reverend Sonia Kasibante, as well as Aman Khondo from the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Lidia-Persidia Holea representing the Roma community.
These sessions provided pupils with valuable opportunities to engage directly with community leaders, ask questions, and develop confidence in discussing important social topics. The initiative also had a clear positive impact: students demonstrated increased confidence in expressing their ideas, a stronger understanding of British values, and greater awareness of diversity within their communities. By creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment, the project helped foster respect, empathy, and a sense of shared responsibility among participants.
This initiative reflects Dialogue Society’s ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue, inclusion, and active citizenship among young people across the UK.
