Inspiring blind activist helps point Oldham Sixth Form students’ way to a peaceful future

Norwegian peace activist Tore Naerland came to Oldham this week, when he spoke to an assembled audience of eager students at the Sixth Form College.

The visit was organised by OSFC Assistant Principal Lewis Entwistle.

Although almost totally blind since the age of 15, Tore established Bike for Peace in Norway in 1977. 

The first campaign was held in Northern Ireland, where he was joined by Catholics and Protestants cycling together for peace. 

He has since been cycling the world for 45 years, speaking of the need for peace in over 120 countries.

He estimates that he has travelled around the world eight times.

Tore has received a special medal from the King of Norway and the peace award named after his hero Gandhi in recognition of his work for peace and has recently been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Tore was accompanied by Richard Outram, Secretary of the UK and Ireland Chapter of Mayors for Peace, an international organisation established by the Mayor of Hiroshima in 1982 to campaign for nuclear disarmament.

Mr Outram came to the College last year with a ginkgo tree grown from a seed sourced from a tree which survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

The seed was a gift of the Mayor of Hiroshima, and the tree was offered to the College as it is a signatory of the Pledge to Peace.

During his travels, Tore has met the most amazing people, from Popes to Nobel Peace Prize winners to presidents, but his real passion is talking to young people about the need for peace, and 45 students from political science and law were both inspired and enthralled by Tore’s tales of travel and his passion for the pursuit of world peace.

The students did not disappoint when they were offered the opportunity to ask questions.

Libby asked: "How do you stay motivated to keep fighting for peace when there is so much to discourage you?"

Adam wanted to know: "What is your opinion on the use of nuclear power?"

Josh considered: "Can everyone be reasoned with?"

Declan asked: "What is your solution to weapons/ arms proliferation?"

Billy posed this thought: "How can I individually promote peace like you?

"What will you do when you abolish nuclear weapons, and do you think you can do it?"

After answering the questions, Tore and Mr Outram visited the College library where Tore donated a copy of his new book and Mr Outram donated a copy of a biography of Prem Rawat, who initiated the Pledge to Peace.

Tore intends to return to the College next year.

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