FSB students and staff were immersed in a gripping narrative during the return of ‘Nobody’s Listening’ – a unique Virtual Reality (VR) experience and immersive exhibition programme drawing attention to the Yazidi genocide in northern Iraq in 2014.

The event, expertly coordinated by Dhaneswar Chooramun, FSB Croydon’s Academic Dean, centred on the exploration of extremist ideologies and their direct relevance to Prevent duty. Chooramun skilfully navigated the intricate terrain of these ideologies, emphasising their implications within the context of Prevent duty guidance.

Ryan D’Souza, Curator and Founder of Nobody’s Listening VR and Art exhibition (l) and Dhaneswar Chooramun, FSB Croydon’s Academic Dean (r). (Photo: FSB)

Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal and Prevent Governor, who opened the event, highlighted the educational benefits of VR and how using the programme shines a ‘spotlight on extremist beliefs’ while also seeking justice for the Yazidi genocide in northern Iraq and how recent world events have shown the continuing importance of the Prevent message.

Ryan D’Souza, Curator and Founder of Nobody’s Listening VR and Art exhibition (l), and Debbi Gordon, an Education Consultant from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) (r), speak with FSB student cohorts. (Photo: FSB)

Ryan D’Souza, Curator and Founder of Nobody’s Listening VR and Art exhibition, said at the event: ‘In every corner of the globe, atrocities are emerging. The tragic toll on civilian lives in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories fuels the surge in extremism, breeding anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Through VR, Nobody’s Listening exposes the root causes of genocide, illustrating that no nation or community is impervious to discrimination and prejudice. Left unchecked, these extremes can swiftly lead to atrocities akin to the horrors endured by the Yazidi people.’

Amanda De Oliveira, a Business and Management student at FSB Croydon, speaking at the event, commented: ‘It has always been hard for me to imagine the reality of conflict. Although I saw so much of it on television and in the newspapers, it never matched experiencing it first-hand through VR. Today has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life.’

(l-r) Ali Ahsan, FSB Croydon’s Operations Manager with Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, and Dhaneswar Chooramun, FSB Croydon’s Academic Dean. (Photo: FSB)

Debbi Gordon, an Education Consultant from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), played a pivotal role in explaining the importance of genocide in everything we do: ‘Our work not only serves as a homage to survivors but also provides a platform for reflection and empathy.’

Debbi Gordon, an Education Consultant from the Counter Extremism Project (l), speaks with FSB student groups during break out sessions and answers follow up questions. (Photo: FSB)

One of many small student groups learning how VR headsets bring the realities of genocide to the forefront. (Photo: FSB)

Dr John Pomeroy, FSB’s Principal, is shown how the use the VR headset. (Photo: FSB)

Stephane Halawe, Business Lecturer (l) and Dr Arjun Raj, Business and Health Lecturer (r) wear VR headsets showing the impacts of the Yazidi genocide in northern Iraq in 2014. (Photo: FSB)

Dhaneswar Chooramun went on to emphasise that the event is not just a showcase of cutting-edge technology – but rather a transformative experience. He commented on the profound impact of terrorism on Iraq, underlining the importance of preventing such atrocities globally. He expressed his belief in VR technology as the ‘most compelling means to bring the horrors of genocides to the forefront of international awareness’.

As ‘Nobody’s Listening’ returns for the third time, FSB continues to champion immersive experiences that not only educate but also foster empathy and understanding as key qualities of leadership.

Nobody’s Listening, CEP and FSB staff. (Photo: FSB)

For more information, visit Nobody’s Listening.

Read the full Counter-Extremism Strategy at: Counter-Extremism Strategy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For inquiries or additional information, please contact the author of this article, Kunal Chan Mehta, via kunal.mehta@fairfield.ac.