UPF-Trinidad and Tobago commemorated the International Day of Peace on September 21 at S Early Learning Kindergarten School in South Trinidad. This school consists of children from ages 3 to 5 of different races and religions. We chose this age group because we believe that within children lie the hearts of innocence, but society also helps shape them into what they can become in the future. Hence it is important to nurture and instill in the hearts and minds of these young children the importance of creating a peaceful world of mutual respect, harmony, cooperation, freedom, and prosperity for all. Therefore through this initiative we can also support the concerted global efforts towards fostering a better world and establish lasting peace.
Prior to the event, the rain was pouring down, but the weather became calm and sunny just a few hours before the event. The atmosphere became just right and the spirit of peace was present. As special invited guests, religious leaders, parents, and children all gathered to commemorate this special day, brotherly and sisterly love filled the air as we greeted and embraced each other.
People from Trinidad and Tobago are known around the Caribbean as a rainbow people, a rainbow nation, rich in culture, and ethnic diversity. It is a true cosmopolitan nation where we all live together in peace. But as a small country of 1.3 million people we have our hurdles to overcome as we strive towards the status of a developing nation. To curb crime and foster interreligious harmony, greater efforts are needed. As Rev. Alvin Best, Imam Neezam Mohammed, and Pundit Rishi Kowlessar hugged and embraced each other as brothers joy filled the air as people caught the spirit that we are all members of one human family under God.
The young students kindled the hearts of everyone in the audience with their performance of the songs “Carry Your Candle” and “This Little Light of Mine.” They sang angelically with buoyancy, and as they held candles in their tiny hands they represented the hope and future of our nation. A minute of silence was offered at noon followed by a keynote address explaining the importance of this occasion and the need to unite all people in order to bring about a world of lasting peace.
The peace pole was planted outside the school yard, engraved with words “May peace prevail on Earth” written in English, Hindi, and Arabic, representing our main religious and ethnic backgrounds. It was also written in Korean as a symbol of hope for North and South Korea becoming one nation and uniting with the rest of the world.
Earnest, heartfelt prayers and peace messages were offered at the peace pole by prominent religious leaders in Trinidad and Tobago: Rev. Best, Imam Mohammed and Pundit Kowlessar. Then followed by a prayer by Lisa Cowan. Their messages and prayers were sent out to the world in different languages but they all reflected the same purpose and meaning: “We are all brothers and sisters, and we long for a world of everlasting peace.”
At the end of the world peace ceremony white doves were released into the air as a symbol of hope and the dawning of a new era for Trinidad and Tobago.
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“Assalam Wa'alaikum. Thank you for inviting me and for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a noble cause: one that is at the heart of Islam as it relates to our relationship with all people. I thought it was very beautiful indeed when the little children came out in rows, carrying their candles. If only we as adults can craft out of their innocence meaningful policies, strategies, and daily conduct that would forever raise the consciousness of all peoples, in fostering an effective threshold for world peace. I commend Universal Peace Federation on an excellent effort on this occasion of the International Day of Peace as declared by the United Nations and wish everyone involved much success in this endeavor.”
Imam Neezam Mohammed
“The effort by Universal Peace Federation to start with a peace effort among children of such a tender age is laudable. The message of hope and peace shared by the representatives of Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam was greatly appreciated. The unification of North and South Korea was highlighted, and many remembered the unification of East and West Germany. The pole was planted and the peace message in four different languages, reminding us of the four points of the world where East, West, North, and South, where peace must be established. I pray and believe that this symbolic effort will reap greater benefits to our community, our nation and the world.”
Rev. Alvin Best
“I found the International Day of Peace program to be extraordinary. We have never encountered any other ceremony that focused on unity and the coming together for the common good. The emotions felt at the letting go of the doves and the white balloons were awe-inspiring. The parents and students enjoyed the message, and the effort to make the day possible was very well worth the sheer happiness of the day.”
Principal of S Early Learning Kindergarten School Mrs. Sandra Warner