Bring hope to forgotten conflicts
23 June 2025
By Claudia Luczkiw
Scrolling through news stories daily, I was overwhelmed and saddened by the amount of conflict, famine, and repression in our world. However, I knew that there was more to it than what we saw in the papers. I felt deeply for all those who suffered, especially those who weren’t on the front pages and received little attention.
Heartbreak, helplessness, guilt — that thought cycle became repetitive and I knew I wasn’t the only one who wanted to make a change. So instead of disengaging, I decided to respond. That response became the St Andrews HART Society.
My name is Claudia and I recently launched a HART Society at the University of St Andrews. I want to explain why I did, and why I recommend you should too.
I first discovered HART’s work when I was fifteen years old in a geography class. We were studying human rights issues, and I had chosen Burma as my case study. That’s when I learned that HART was one of the few NGOs operating in the region, providing aid, healthcare, and long-term support to communities that had been neglected by international institutions.
The topic of human rights injustices in Burma fascinated me, so I entered the HART Prize for Human Rights, and submitted an essay on the subject. After doing extensive research into HART’s role there, I was proud to come third and receive a book about HART’s Founder, Baroness Caroline Cox. I was moved by her extraordinary courage and the countless ways HART has changed the lives of those suffering in silence. From delivering aid across conflict lines, to supporting education and healthcare facilities, HART has consistently pushed back against oppressive regimes and helped empower communities to rebuild themselves with the help of local partnerships.
Inspired by HART’s mission, I felt a strong duty to support their work in any way I could. I became a HART Student Ambassador during sixth form, which naturally led me to the idea of starting a university society. I saw it as a chance not only to raise awareness about HART’s work but to build a community of students passionate about human rights, global justice, and advocacy.
You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to care. Even small actions can inspire change.
Since launching the society at St Andrews, we’ve held a fundraising dinner, and we hope to organise panel discussions, awareness campaigns, and more events that inspire conversation and actions in the future.
Launching a HART society isn’t just about raising awareness, it’s a chance to grow as a leader, connect with others, and make a real impact for those that need it the most. You’ll gain experience organising events, building partnerships, and starting important conversations. Most importantly, you’ll join a network of students who care deeply about justice and compassion.
Starting a HART society is easier than you might think; HART offers support and resources, and once others see your passion, they’ll want to get involved too. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to care. Even small actions, such as a talk, a film screening or a fundraiser can inspire change and give others a voice. No matter what you study, there’s space for you as a HART ambassador at your university. If you care about human rights, advocacy, or creating a better world, this is your invitation. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up and taking the first step.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, starting a HART society is a tangible way to take action. Now more than ever, we need spaces that amplify unheard voices and challenge indifference. So if you’ve ever wondered what you can do, this is your chance. Start one. Be the difference.
- Get involved: hart-uk.org/get-involved