By Angelina Joseph
“Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that the defenses of peace must be constructed,” – UNESCO constitution.
Picture this: young minds ablaze with imagination, transforming blank canvases into vibrant reflections of hope and unity; a manifestation of the International Women’s Peace Group’s (IWPG) Loving Peace Art Competition recently hosted at St James the Apostle Primary School in Hoppers Crossing.
In its 6th consecutive year, this esteemed international competition continues to captivate and involve more than 12,000 youths annually from 52 different countries across the globe. Despite the diversity of languages spoken by participants from different countries, the art they create speaks volumes, delivering messages of peace and unity to hearts around the world.
The theme, Conveying a Heart of Peace to Friends Suffering from War, aims to educate what it means to foster a culture of peace. The youth come to understand that it depends on creating an environment where peace can flourish. Through the medium of art, students are empowered to explore themes such as peace, empathy, understanding, respect, and conflict resolution.
But this competition is more than just an artistic showcase—it’s a catalyst for change, serving as a form of early intervention. According to a recent survey by the Wyndham City Council, our diverse neighborhood boasts a population where nearly half, at 47.4%, hails from overseas. However, amidst this diversity, there is a collective need for mental well-being, with bullying and youth crime incidents plaguing the community.
This initiative echoes the principles of Article 10 of the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War), reinforcing the urgent need to nurture a culture of peace in our communities.
As peace education has the power to inspire change and promote understanding, we call upon all members of our community to support peace education in our schools, recognising it as a vital step towards building a safer, more harmonious world for future generations.
