SVG Girl Guides celebrate International Peace Day

With many instances of aggression and pain still existing in the world, adults and children have been urged to do their part to contribute to a peaceful world.{{more}}

This was the message communicated by Departmental Executive of the Western Hemisphere of the Girl Guides Association, Grace Gaede-Martina, at the Girl Guides Association of SVG International Peace Day Rally. The event took place on Monday, September 21, 2009, at the Girl Guide Headquarters at Level Gardens.

Gaede-Martin addressed a filled room of Brownies, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, parents and other students, encouraging them to make a difference by being peacemakers. She urged them to ask themselves one simple question: “Have you contributed to peace today?”

The Rally received its theme: “The Day After Peace” from a documentary made by filmmaker Jeremy Gilley that chronicles his ten-year journey to establish the annual Peace Day on September 21.

Gaede-Martin told the audience that it was up to them to ensure that one day there will be peace on earth. “Peace day is relevant to everyone in this world,” she said. To attain this goal, she added, the help of everyone is needed. She encouraged the young children to do acts of kindness through helping a friend or encouraging them positively. “Do it your way,” she urged, and “not only for today but for ever and ever.”

The rally also featured dance performances from Brownie groups and Girl Guides and the singing of songs which promote peace such as “Kum ba Yah”, and “Let there be Peace on Earth”. Prayers for peace throughout the world were also read.

The evening’s celebration ended with a signing of the final hymn “Peace I leave with you my friend”, with audience members sharing hugs and handshakes as signs of peace with each other. (OS)