History
Aegis Students is a subsidiary of Aegis Trust. The word Aegis means ‘Shield’ or ‘Protection’, reflecting the need to protect vulnerable people against genocide and . Aegis was established in 2000 to campaign against genocide and mass atrocities, and its activities include research, policy, education, commemoration, media work, campaigns and humanitarian support for victims.
Dr. James Smith, Founder and Chief Executive of Aegis Trust, realised the need for creating a grassroots student movement to educate and mobilise young people on the important issues surrounding genocide and mass atrocities.
The first society was launched at Oxford University in May 2005 and others soon followed in Derby, Kingston and Nottingham Trent. The movement rapidly grew to a national level and was officially launched as Aegis Students in April 2006 at 1 Parliament Street, London.
From there Aegis Students has grown to an international organisation, with societies in countries such as Rwanda, Canada and the United States.
The work of Aegis Students is officially supported by the National Union of Students in the UK.
Read more about this topic: Aegis Students
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