We live in a world where it is critical that we find answers on how to end the conflict in homes, schools and towns. It has never been more appropriate to sit together and search for answers than now.
This situation encouraged us to put together a peace conference encouraging our youth to participate in discussions enabling them to take away new ideas for ways to engage and work for Peace through Service.
Our first “Peace Conference” was held at Cornwall Hill College on the 1st and 2nd of 2 March 2013. The Rotary “Peace Conference” was an initiative in line with 2012-13 Rotary International objective of Peace Through Service.
Our club’s objective was to create the opportunity for interaction and dialogue between learners of different economic and cultural backgrounds, regardless of community or religious background, to open doors of self-discovery and opportunity.
We succeeded in bringing together 108 learners, enabling friendships, mutual understanding, knowledge exchange and joint activities. We encouraged active participation in various sessions, stimulating the learners to think for themselves, displaying ingenuity and initiative as an individual or as part of a team.
To give an example of a few; we had poems, music, skits, collages as well as numerous questions and debates on what peace means to them.
Our guest speaker, Dr Ryan Blumenthal – a forensic pathologist, spoke about conflict resolution through misdirection, and kindly donated a copy of his book to each learner.
A special thank you goes out to Cornwall Hill College for their continued support and the hosting of this conference. We believe that this conference empowered the learners, encouraged new ideas and confidence to change their work.