The
GAMBIA
(2005
World Peace Prayer Society Report)
Emeka Onyekwere, Kotu East
THE WORLD PEACE PRAYER SOCIETY THE GAMBIA
CHAPTER
CELEBRATES THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
2005
The
World Peace Prayer Society, The Gambia Chapter joined the rest of
the world in the celebration of the International Day of Peace on
the 21st September, 2005. The celebration also took into cognizance
the mid-term of the "International Decade for A Culture of Peace
and Nonviolence for the Children of The World" (2001-2010) as
well as the Launch of "Education for Sustainable Development"
(2005-2014).
In
our bid to promote the global objectives of World Peace Prayer Society
and the UN Decade for the
Culture
of Peace and Nonviolence, The World Peace Prayer Society, The Gambia
Chapter inaugurated a Peace
Pal Club
at the Cates' International Academy, Kotu East, The Gambia, which
was commemorated with a symposium on the theme: "Sustaining
A Culture of Peace and Nonviolence in The Gambia and the west African
sub-region"
The
ceremony started with opening prayer said by Pastor Samuel Mubele
from the community of Yaweh Worldwide, Lamin, The Gambia and the Muslim
Prayer said by Mr Mohammed Sannoh.
Afterwards,
the Vice Principal of Cates Academy, Mr. Braima Rogers made the opening
remarks welcoming the invited guests and also stressed the pivotal
importance of peace and nonviolence with ourselves, our homes, communities,
schools, society and the world at large. He enjoined the students
to endeavour to imbibe peace, as the future of the world lies in their
hands, as we live in this turbulent world. He poured encomiums on
Godson O. Egbujor, the Peace Pals Coordinator of Cates' International
Academy for introducing such a noble idea and activity at the school.
Following
this was the brief history of the World Peace Prayer Society by the
Peace Pal Coordinator. He extended his invitation to the audience
to get involved in peace building since peace begin with each and
every one of us.
Thereafter,
the peace pals sang the peace songs/poems and the school's Anthem
entitled "Hail To You Cates". The sonorous renditions were
highly appreciated by the gathering.
Later
on was the flag ceremony, which was jointly carried out by students
from SOS Hermann Gmeiner Lower and Upper Basic School, Saint Joseph
and Kotu Secondary School.
Immediately
after this was the delivering of the day's lecture entitled “The Spiritual
Dimensions of Peace, Nonviolence and Sustainable Development,” by
Pastor Samuel Mubele. He X-rayed the scripture highlighting the biblical
bases of peace emphasizing that Lord is Peace and Jesus Christ is
a Prince of Peace, therefore we should emulate him as that is the
surest panacea to peace and earthly prosperity and happiness which
has been coined "Sustainable Development".
There
was an interlude of Peace Poems and dance by the Peace Pals followed
by a brilliant lecture by the Vice Principal of SOS Hermann Gmeiner
Technical Senior Secondary School, Bakoteh, Mrs Mercy Egbuchulem,
on the theme "Teaching About Peace." She explained the concept
of peace and highlighted the various approaches and methodologies
of teaching about Peace in the classroom and other fora. She concluded
by suggesting that Peace Education should be included in the school
curriculum.
Soon
after her lecture, the Peace Pals Presented a short skit entitled
"Peace and Violence in Society" to the excitement of everyone
present.
The
last lecture of the day, titled "Sustaining A Culture of Peace
and Nonviolence in The Gambia and The West Africa That Will Create
An Enabling Environment for Development," was succinctly presented
by Saikou S.S Camara from the Youth Ambassadors of Peace, Churchill's
Town. He espoused the concepts and highlighted the indices of peace
and nonviolence and their impact on sustainable development. He posited
that Peace is the hub of human development without which all efforts
towards development will be futile. He illustrated with the fratricidal
wars that have been fought in Liberia, Sierra Leone, etc and how the
breakdown of peace, law and order has retarded development in such
countries. In conclusion, he advised that we should tenaciously guard
the peace we have in The Gambia.
In
closing, Helen Marous gave a hearty vote of thanks expressing our
immense appreciation to our guests for honouring our invitation. The
closing remark was made by Mr. Braima Rogers.
May
Peace Prevail in The Gambia!
May
Peace Prevail in America!!
May
Peace Prevail in Iraq!!!
May
Peace Prevail on Earth!!!!
Emeka
Ignatius Onyekwere
WPPS
REP, The Gambia Chapter
THE GAMBIA
Damian C. Opara and Godwin Onyewuchi Onuoha,
Serrekunda
In
celebration of the World Peace Day, September 21st 2005,
a combined activity was conducted by the New Era for Peace and Freedom
Foundation and the Kalagi Peace Pals.
On
this Peace Day, the combined group spread the message "May Peace
Prevail on Earth!" by way of displayed posters, pictures, drama
which condemns threats to world peace.
At
noonday, in the Kalagi school hall, these peace lovers in attendance
paid a concerted respect to global peace by saying in low tone - "May
Peace Prevail on Earth!" After that, the members of the peace
groups jointly sang songs, read poems and riddles. During the celebration,
teachers talked to students of the need for world peace and non-violence.
The
enviable event preceded by a series of trainings and rehearsals meant
to bring about a colourful occasion. At the end of the day, we came
to a common belief that events like these are important in order for
us to usher in a new season of global peace and non-violence.
May
Peace Prevail on Earth!
2005
World Peace Prayer Society Compilation
PICTORAL
ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS PEACE DAY EVENTS
May
Peace Prevail
On Earth
