The Dialogue Society was delighted to deliver its Life of a Chickpea programme at St. Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in South Shields, bringing together 80 students and four inspiring speakers from diverse faith and community backgrounds for a memorable day of dialogue, music, storytelling and shared learning.
We were honoured to welcome Talia Turnbull, representing the Baháʼí Faith; Brenda Dinsdale, Honorary Life President of Newcastle Reform Synagogue; and James and Maria Fraser from St. Gregory’s Parish Church. Through their personal experiences, perspectives and conversations with the students, our speakers helped create a welcoming space where young people could ask questions, encounter different beliefs and traditions, and discover the values that connect us.
At the heart of the Life of a Chickpea programme is a simple but powerful question: “What dish would you like to be in if you were a chickpea?” Through creative imagination and the symbolic journey of a chickpea, students are encouraged to explore deeper questions about identity, belonging and their place within wider society. The programme brings British values—including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs—to life in a way that is accessible, engaging and meaningful for young people.
The enthusiasm, curiosity and openness of the 80 students reminded us why this work matters. Every meaningful conversation with a young person is an investment in a more inclusive, understanding and connected future. By creating opportunities for young people to meet diverse community voices, ask questions and learn from one another, we help plant the seeds of dialogue that can continue to grow far beyond the classroom.
Our Life of a Chickpea journey continues, and we look forward to meeting and inspiring many more young people in the weeks and months ahead.
