Success for the 10th anniversary of Development in Action - Editor

Mariana Goetz (DiA Trustee) and Liza Coffin (DiA Secretary) with Tom Brake MP

Leading MPs and peers, and representatives from key development education organisations, joined DiA volunteers past and present to celebrate Development in Action's 10th Anniversary at the Palace of Westminster on 10 th November 2004.

The evening was hosted by Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on International Development at the time, Tom Brake MP, who praised our unique work:

“ Development in Action inspires young people to engage in the wider world at a time when awareness and understanding is of increasing importance.

“Since this unique charity was founded ten years ago, more than 160 young people have volunteered with Indian non-governmental organisations on placements organised by DiA. On their return to the UK these volunteers have produced a wealth of material and held scores of events to encourage interest in global issues in their local communities.”

David Rendel, previous Liberal Democrat spokesperson on higher education, commended Development in Action 's work in a speech to the House of Commons on the future of education. He highlighted the role of education in promoting cross-cultural understanding and its importance in establishing a more secure global community:

“When I talked to some of the volunteers, I was struck by the vital links that exist between education, the idea of global citizenship and the prospects for greater tolerance and understanding across the borders of geography, imagination and economic opportunity that divide our world.”

Subsequent to hosting the event, Tom Brake MP tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on politicians of all parties to promote Development in Action 's example. 130 MPs representing six different political parties signed their names to support the motion.

As a result of the reception DiA received coverage in national and regional papers, and has been a source of discussion on local radio stations. We have also established closer ties with related organisations including OneWorld and BOND (the UK network of voluntary organisations working in international development and development education).

In his speech to our guests, Tom Brake MP expressed his admiration for DiA's ability to throw a punch far greater than its weight. Development in Action 's growth over the past ten years culminated in a fantastic celebration of our achievements that was a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers.