On Friday, the 15th May, in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, postgraduate students at the University of Edinburgh organised a ‘skill share market’ on Business School premises. Organised under the global Art of Giving (AOG) initiative, the market translated the 2026 theme — “Share to Shine” — into a lived student experience. Founded on the philosophy that giving is not limited to financial capital but encompasses time, knowledge, attention, and human connection. This initiative was delivered in partnership with the Critical Learner Collective (CLC) in honour of the 13th Year of the Art of Giving. Read about Abhi’s reflection on her experience co-planning and hosting the event with the CLC

There was a moment during Share to Shine where someone was teaching karate moves in the middle of the Business School concourse.

That is when I knew the day had gone exactly as we hoped.

As part of CLC, we built this event around a simple idea. Everyone in the room knows something worth sharing. Not professors, not guest speakers. Just classmates and friends with their skills and their willingness to show up.

When I was running my booth, one person took out a notebook and started writing down what I was saying. That caught me off guard. Not because it was unusual to take notes but because nobody had asked them to. They just found it useful enough to keep.

This kept happening throughout the day in different forms. Someone mentioned a book they loved and before they finished the sentence people had gathered around asking how and where to find these books. A CV review that started as a one-on-one conversation became group of people trading ideas about how to present their experience. The eco spiritual living booth started with the host sharing their own practices and within minutes had become a full circle where people were teaching and learning at the same time without anyone planning it that way.

That is the thing about peer learning that a classroom rarely gives you. When the person teaching you are also your peers, something relaxes. You ask questions you would never raise in a lecture. You admit when you do not understand. You laugh when something clicks late. And because they know exactly where you are coming from their advice actually lands.

Learning is more fun when your classmates are your teachers.

To everyone who came, shared something, or simply stayed curious for an afternoon, thank you. You made the room what it was.

Read more about the Art of Giving here

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Read more about the participants’ experiences and thoughts from the Community board

The Community board encouraged participants to engage with the theme of sharing as a way to bring more light. To foster deepened sharing and curiosity:

“Helping is about caring for others”

“Sharing is a powerful and positive way to connect with others. When we share – whether it’s knowledge, skills, food, or even personal challenges – we create opportunities for growth and understanding. Each form of sharing strengthens relationships, builds trust, and encourages collaboration. Beyond its social benefits, sharing has a meaningful impact on personal well-being. It promotes happiness, reduces stress, and helps break down emotional and cultural barriers. By practising sharing in everyday life individuals contribute ti a more supportive environment but also gain new perspectives, insights and abilities. In essence, sharing is more than an action; it is a mindset that fosters positivity, enhances mental health and enriches community.”

“Who helped shape your life through sharing? – Friends: I think having a community that shares their skills and mindset is a blessing. You have the case of learning a lot with less effort at starting from scratch.”

“Always give so you can inspire others to give! Sharing doubles the joy and divides the sorrows!”

Find media from the event and our social media links below