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Peace Education
Palhoça, Brazil Hosts a Peace March, Conference and Educational Programs
Written by UPF-Brazil
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Palhoça Santa Catarina, Brazil - A series of events took place in southern Brazil for UPF's Global Peace Tour in April. These events included a peace march, service activities, an international conference, and a festival. The events were made possible by local Ambassadors for Peace and were sponsored by local organizations and the city council.
Peace March
From April 18 to 24, UPF-Brazil organized events during the celebrations that took place for the city of Palhoça's 115th birthday.
The Peace March mobilized both youth and adults, dressed in white T-shirts and holding white flags and banners. The march was sponsored by the Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Mr. João Carlos Amândio (Bala), Ambassadors for Peace, and other local associations.
The Osvaldo dos Reis School's Band from the neighboring city of Itapema opened the march, followed by a sound truck inviting the people along the way to become peacemakers.
UPF Regional Director Rev. Dong Mo Shin and Iremar Possamai joined the march that ended in the City Center.
Mr. João Carlos Amândio gave the final remarks thanking all the participants. All were very pleased and inspired after completing the two-hour walk to promote a culture of peace. Amândio said, "It is an honor for me and my family to wave the flag of peace; we feel proud at this moment and congratulate all those who promote peace in their daily life. Happy birthday for the city and best wishes for all the peace-loving citizens."
Service
Thirty-five young volunteers came from Sao Paulo and joined in the service activities; one group helped clean the Expo and festival site. Another group gave character education lectures in the schools.
Mr. Camilo, Director of Dom Jayme B. Câmara Educational Center, offered the use of the university facilities during their week-long stay in the city. A bus was also provided by the City Council to commute from the school to the activity site.
International Leadership Conference
On April 18, 120 guests gathered in the auditorium of UNISUL University for a conference sponsored by the City Council. Mr. Aroldo Tambosi acted as the MC and welcomed the audience that came for the afternoon event.
City Council member Leonel Pereira gave congratulatory remarks on behalf of Mayor Ronério. Prof. Wilson Tomio Monomi gave a lecture on Character Education and Ethics, and Dr. Neudir Simão Ferabolli spoke about A New Paradigm for Leadership.
New Ambassadors for Peace were appointed and called onto the stage to receive their certificate. Rev. Dong Mo Shin, Regional Director for UPF-Latin America, offered an award to Mr. João Carlos Amândio (Bala), Secretary of Tourism and Culture. Then the guests were invited to a banquet at the university restaurant that was specially reserved for the conference participants.
Interfaith Ceremony for Peace
On Sunday evening, April 19, religious representatives were invited to the festival stage for the interfaith water ceremony. Each of the participants poured a bowl of water into the main vase, symbolizing harmony among the religions. Those who were involved were Pastor Luis Carlos from the Anglican Church, a youth leader from the Hare Krishna Movement, a couple from the Baha'i Faith, a pastor from the Four Square Evangelical Church, and Pastor Iremar from the Unification tradition.
Mrs. Diana, representing the Baha'i Faith, offered a final prayer for the unity of the religions. Rev. Dong Mo Shin gave the Peace Message which was translated simultaneously into Portuguese by Miss Francini. The Record TV Channel came to report the on the interfaith ceremony that concluded the Global Peace Tour activities in southern Brazil.
For the keynote address and more information about the peace tour, click here.
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