Entries Written By John Coster
COP29: Train The Trainer Programme
The United Nations SDG 16 Impact Hub at DMU is hosting a dynamic and creative programme of engagement activities linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) up to and including COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: 11th– 22nd November 2024. The Parallel Lives Network is delivering a number of engagement activities to compliment the wider programme. Our …
2024 World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
By John Coster, Founder of the Parallel Lives Network: “The Parallel Lives Archive hosts documentary material from across the Global South sourced by the Documentary Media Centre, Conflict Memory Education Centre, and members of the Parallel Lives Network and the Independent Heritage Network. I’m proud to mark the World Day of Audiovisual Heritage and grateful …
UN Day for South-South Cooperation
On 12 September 2024, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) will lead the global observance of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation under the theme, “A Better Tomorrow with South-South Cooperation”. The Parallel Lives Network will be hosting an event at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. It takes place in the …
The Importance of Military History in Understanding the Modern World
In our rapidly changing world, a fundamental understanding of military history can provide essential insights into current events and international relations. As noted by Conflict Reportage, “understanding past conflicts is crucial to making sense of present-day geopolitical tensions.” This perspective underscores the value of historical knowledge in interpreting today’s complex global landscape. Military history offers …
Geo-POD: Empowering Communities through Innovation and Sustainability
By John Coster: After the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004, I created this simple outline sketch of a facility that could help communities start again. After 20 years it’s about to become a reality. There have been a few false starts and dead ends along the way but I’m stubborn. In a world grappling with …
Saturday Heritage Fairs: A New Way To Get Communities Talking
By John Coster: Saturday Heritage Fairs provide a meeting point for individuals and community groups in the early stages of developing a heritage collection and those looking to grow an existing collection; to display what they have, seek feedback, find volunteers and people able to support them develop their heritage collection. It’s become obvious to me …
Celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: A Step Towards a #PeriodFriendlyWorld
May 28th symbolises the average 28-day menstrual cycle and the typical five-day duration of menstruation, reinforcing the importance of the cause it champions. This year, the theme for World Menstrual Hygiene Day is #PeriodFriendlyWorld. The Parallel Lives Network has been collaborating with De Montfort University Global Health MSc students over the past three years to …
Reportage Club: Marta Szczesniak
On Wednesday 8th May 2024, the Parallel Lives Network hosted a Reportage Club event with documentary photographer, Marta Szczesniak @martaszczesniak_photography John Coster, Founder of the Parallel Lives Network was in-conversation with Marta about her photography and a recent trip to Thailand where she captured images of the street children. Venue: Orso Coffee Shop
Documentary Screening: Ukraine 2024 & Spain 1936
On Tuesday 16th April, The Parallel Lives Network and Documentary Media Centre showcased, in conjunction with the DMU Media Discourse Centre, the FREE screening of two documentary films with Q&As, as follows: 18:00 ‘When We Come Back’ – on the War in Ukraine and the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Leicester, UK (38 mins). 19:00 ‘Herencias de ‘36’ (The …
Mental Health Train the Trainer Workshop
The Mental Health Train the Trainer workshop was designed by Tina Barton, Director of Education & Engagement of the Parallel Lives Network, to ignite discussion, help to build awareness and contribute to normalising the conversation in a range of settings around Mental Health & Well-being. This training provides several creative communication tools and activities, that …