The day is celebrated in September and was declared in 1981 to commemorate the opening day of regular sessions of the UN General Assembly. The day is devoted to strengthening ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples of the world.
The world has experienced wars in many places. This day is crucial to Kenya which has accommodated many refugees from neighboring countries. Besides being at war, there are increased incidents of crime in the country that affects all people daily. This day provides an opportunity to focus on the need for people to relate with one another in a peaceful way and to shun violence, physical and emotional abuse and all forms intimidation.
Suggested activities
- Develop posters, drama, songs and poems to express the need for peace in the world.
- Visit museum and look for exhibits on peace, war, conflicts and refugees. Watch a film on the same.
- Identify an elder from your local area and enquire more about his/her experiences during the struggle for independence.
- Look for war experiences documented in the Bible and Quran.
- Look for peace initiatives or conflicts resolution efforts documented in the bible and Quran.
- Enquire from the local elders the peace tree that were used by your community to resolve conflicts.
- Plant peace trees that were used by your indigenous community.
- Initiate and implement a programme to promote peace within the school and the community.
- Write an essay or summary notes on how you celebrated the international day of peace. Publicise your success on this blog.
For Further Information, contact:
Ministry of Sport, culture and the Arts (http://www.minspoca.go.ke)
Community Peace Museums Heritage Foundation (http://www.cpmhf.org)
Peace and Justice Commission of the Catholic Church (http://www.cjpckenya.org)
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