Public Service Students Hear First-Hand Accounts of the Impact of War
Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services students at Coventry College welcomed guest speakers from the United Nations Association (UNA) Coventry for a powerful and thought-provoking educational event focusing on the realities of war and conflict.
The first guest speaker, Estelle Marufu, visited the college on 5th December, delivering a presentation that explored the impact of war on communities. Her talk encouraged students to think beyond the battlefield, highlighting how conflict affects families, infrastructure, education, and long-term community wellbeing.
Students also heard from Benazir Ulde, who delivered a compelling presentation on child soldiers. Her session centred on the true story of Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier and member of the United Nations Association. Beah’s experiences, documented in his memoir A Long Way Gone, gave students a deeply personal insight into the devastating effects of conflict on children.
International Relations Lecturer Nikki (Adenike) Olasanmi, who organised the event, was gifted a copy of A Long Way Gone by the guest speakers, marking the significance of the occasion and the strong partnership between Coventry College and UNA Coventry.
Students described the visit as an eye-opening and impactful experience, valuing the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of war, conflict, and the people affected by it. The event supported their studies while reinforcing the importance of global awareness, empathy, and humanitarian responsibility within uniformed protective services.
