Stories That Change Us: Lincoln School Children Explore Faith, Identity and Friendship During Inter Faith Week

The Centre for Reconciliation celebrates the success of its Human Library initiative and welcomes opportunities for continued collaboration and global connections. 

As part of Inter Faith Week 2026, The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR) brought together representatives from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds for a special Human Library event at St Peter at Gowts Church of England Primary School in Lincoln on Tuesday 10 November. 

Under the theme “Stories That Change Us”, the initiative gave children an opportunity to meet people from different religious and cultural traditions, hear their personal experiences, ask questions and discover how faith and beliefs influence everyday life. 

Rather than learning about different religions solely through textbooks, pupils were able to engage directly with people who shared their stories, traditions and values.

The interactive sessions encouraged curiosity, respectful dialogue, kindness and an appreciation of diversity. Representatives visited different classrooms, allowing children to explore a range of perspectives and ask questions in a welcoming environment. 

The event formed part of Lincolnshire’s Inter Faith Week celebrations, organised around the theme “Lighting the Way for a Shared Future.”

A wonderful response from the school 

Following the event, Emily Mayer, Headteacher at St Peter at Gowts Church of England Primary School, expressed her appreciation for the initiative and the positive feedback received from pupils and staff. 

She thanked Revd Steve Holt for bringing together the contributors and Georgina Foxcroft for organising the event within the school, describing it as a fabulous opportunity for the children. 

Revd Steve Holt, Chair of The Centre for Reconciliation, reflected on the experience: “Our Inter Faith Week session at St Peter at Gowts Primary School was a beautiful reflection of what we strive for at The Centre for Reconciliation. By bringing the Human Library to these wonderful children, we saw firsthand how sharing our unique stories breaks down barriers and nurtures a future rooted in mutual respect, curiosity, and shared community values. Seeing the children engage so deeply proves that when we share our stories, we build a more welcoming, empathetic, and connected community.”

Building lasting relationships beyond Inter Faith Week 

One of the most encouraging outcomes of the initiative has been the school’s interest in continuing to work with The Centre for Reconciliation beyond this year’s Inter Faith Week. 

TCfR is particularly excited about the opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship with the school, exploring further educational activities, intercultural learning and opportunities for pupils to connect with young people in other parts of the world. 

Subash Chellaiah, Founder and Executive Director of The Centre for Reconciliation, said: “What excites me most is that this is not simply a one-off event during Inter Faith Week. We are delighted that the school is interested in working with us further and exploring how we can build on this experience. Children are naturally curious, and when we create safe and welcoming spaces for them to ask questions and meet people from different backgrounds, we help build understanding from an early age. I am particularly excited about the possibility of developing global links, connecting children in Lincoln with schools and young people in other countries. These relationships could help children discover both the differences and the shared humanity that connect us, while encouraging them to become responsible and compassionate global citizens. This is exactly the kind of meaningful, long-term engagement that The Centre for Reconciliation hopes to develop.”

From local understanding to global citizenship 

The Centre for Reconciliation believes that education plays an essential role in challenging prejudice, strengthening community cohesion and preparing young people to live in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Building on the success of the Human Library, TCfR hopes to explore opportunities for school partnerships, international classroom connections and its wider Global Citizenship and Youth for Peace initiatives. These activities could enable children to exchange stories, learn about different cultures and communities, and develop friendships beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. 

The Centre for Reconciliation extends its sincere thanks to Headteacher Emily Mayer, Georgina Foxcroft, Revd Steve Holt, all participating faith and community representatives, school staff and, most importantly, the children whose enthusiasm and thoughtful questions made the event so meaningful. Inter Faith Week 2026 continues across Lincolnshire with further opportunities for people of all faiths and none to come together, celebrate diversity and build a more peaceful and connected society.