Serov, Russia - This was the first time that the city of Serov joined in the celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace. The children’s organization “Sirius” initiated and promoted the event. Volunteerism is the main focus of this organization. While discussing ways to present the International Day of Peace, we came to the unanimous conclusion that for us, peace, means first of all peace in our classes and schools.
Aside from military conflicts, problems occur in classes and schools in which students are hurt by their classmates. So many conflicts arise, and so many tears are shed in schools! The problem is serious. It’s high time to reflect that we are not wild beasts, we are human beings. How can we wait for someone to come and solve our own problems and restore order in our classes? We decided to show the children that they can do much to change matters. On that day we decided to organize some unusual training activities – tests to help children comprehend what relationships problems exist in their classrooms.
We made symbolic doves and wrote on them "This day we are ambassadors for peace."
Nine Sirius activists held a training at the "Nadezhda" rehabilitation center for children ages 3 through 17. Senior citizens helped the children. At the end of the training, children formed a "Corridor of Friendship." Each one passed through the corridor with closed eyes whispering good words.
Quite by chance we heard one boy whispering to everyone: “Mummy will come”! Games, sweets, and colored cards are no substitute for mothers, but that evening we organized a big celebration for them. The senior citizens were pleasantly surprised to receive beautiful postcards from the children on the Day of Peace and and thanked them with a kiss.
To read UPF's Declaration on the International Day of Peace 2009, click here.