On Monday, September 23, 2002, the EEV was invited to celebrate the International Day of Peace at the United Nations. Because of the short notice (a class cancelled at the last minute), we were only able to gather a group of four students together, but it was a day to remember! 180 students from about 10 different schools were able to share their thoughts about peace and participate in the first ever web-cast event from the UN. Four UN missions were webcast on a large screen in a small auditorium, where children from Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Bosnia and Sarajevo spoke about what they “Lost in War” and “Gained in Peace”. Then students from NY were able to ask them questions about their lives as well as share their thoughts about September 11th. The speakers were sincere, thoughtful and real. The children applauded each other and waved to each via web cam – connecting. After the joint ringing of the “Peace Bells” at each location, the children all joined in announcing each UN country on stage while holding up the country’s flag. This was a joint effort by all five locations and was an experience I am sure all these children will always remember.

Be sure to check out the archived webcast at http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/index.html

Check out our pictures at the EEV celebrating Peace on Earth!

The EEV members have been invited to participate in a “Peace in Public Places” event sometime during the season of Non-Violence, which officially starts the end of January. More details to come! If you are interested in having your students participate please drop me a line at mailto:blancab@optonline.net.

If you would like to check out the United Nations website focused on Peace, please check out the following link: http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/index.html