City teacher in barefoot Burma protest

Published on Friday 26 October 2007 12:07

LIKE millions of others across the world, teacher Ewen Hardie watched in horror as peaceful protests by monks in Burma turned to bloodshed.

And after being left in floods of tears by reports of the government crackdown and executions, he knew he had to do something drastic to highlight the situation to his pupils - become a monk.

The 28-year-old Drummond High biology teacher shaved off his dreadlocks, took to wearing red robes, and even began walking barefoot. One month on, he is sticking by his new look and has now vowed to continue until there is democracy in Burma.

Mr Hardie, of Seafield Road, Leith, said: "I used to wear my hair in dreadlocks so I decided to shave my head as that way the kids would ask me why I had done it, rather than me trying to lecture them about Burma.

"That's how it started, but it would only be OK for a day. The next day I would just be another bald guy. I thought if I went bare foot, like the monks in Burma, then every time they saw me it would remind them of what happened. It would make sure it sticks in their consciousness."

Mr Hardie added: "The reaction in school has been amazing. The pupils have been asking questions and have really listened and engaged, not just with their heads, but also with their hearts."

His barefoot pledge has not come without a cost, however, as he walks Edinburgh's streets.

"It got a couple of degrees colder a few days ago and it was not comfortable. I've a few cuts but the cold has been the main problem. I've said I'll keep going until there's democracy in Burma, but the caveat is I'm not going to do it to the point that I'm threatening my health."

He has made a major impression with pupils at the school.

Linda Flex, chairwoman of the Drummond Community High School parents committee, said: "My daughter Valentina, 14, thinks it's fabulous. He has opened the kids' eyes to this issue which would otherwise have been on the periphery. The kids are all right behind him. It reminds us that our problems are nothing compared to what is happening over there."

Edinburgh's education leader, Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, said it would "not be appropriate" to comment on the beliefs of an individual members of staff.

However, she added: "The council passed a motion today which stated that this council totally deplores the action of the military junta in Burma in violently suppressing the legitimate right of the Burmese people to hold peaceful demonstrations in support of democracy.

"The director of corporate services has also been asked to investigate ways in which this council and the people of Edinburgh can practically assist those individuals, groups and organisations committed to democracy."