YOUNGSTERS in Buntingford are taking a stand for humanity by joining a world-wide campaign to protect human rights. A sixth form Amnesty group has been set up at Freman College and the group is planning a week of awareness and fund-raising activities. St

YOUNGSTERS in Buntingford are taking a stand for humanity by joining a world-wide campaign to protect human rights.

A sixth form Amnesty group has been set up at Freman College and the group is planning a week of awareness and fund-raising activities.

Students have adopted a mature social responsibility to help to combat issues such as violence against women, the death penalty, the human slave trade and the control of arms.

The group's publicity officer Anne Warren said: "This is something that a lot of students feel very strongly about and we hope to make more students aware.

"Many people at our school just don't know about the horrific things that are happening in the world. We want people to know that torture, abuse and a total disregard for human rights is happening all over the world and something needs to be done about it."

The Amnesty group is being led by Mark Trapmore, the college's head of history. He said the group were going from strength to strength, and believes that it is important for the students to be aware of such world-wide issues.

He added: "The 6th form students have shown a real commitment to publicising and campaigning for human rights abuses around the world. It's a group that I'm proud to be a part of."

The sixth-formers have already raised more than £200 by selling 'Protect the Human' badges, that have been sold to almost every teacher and student in the college.

Joanna Manser said: "We are already doing very well, but we are looking to raise as much money as possible. It's going to be hard work, but we are determined to make a difference."

Throughout the week students will be hosting a wide variety of activities, including a cake sale and an Easter egg hunt, run by Emily Marjason and Claire Bradbury.

Ben Furnival and Jon Shaxted will be organising a rock concert, that will feature student bands The Grouch and DarkCide, as well as staff bands Fields of Fire and Red Light Control.

Anne will also be spreading the college's message further afield with a balloon race, with every balloon carrying their Amnesty campaign message.

She explained: "It is hoped that our message of human rights will spread far and wide."

Ash Pepper added: "We are starting small. But if we can raise the awareness in this school and in this community, then every school can do the same. That way, awareness can be reached on a national scale.

"Hopefully this will be the start of an annual project and I would like to think the older students will continue raising the awareness next year - because this is an ongoing issue."

- The Freman College Amnesty week will run from Monday March 26- Friday 30.