Japan
(2005
World Peace Prayer Society Report)
Masami
Kondo, Tokyo
2005
International Day of Peace Celebrated in Japanese Schools
In Japan,
the Goi Peace Foundation is collaborating with the United Nations
Information Centre in Tokyo for the third year running to disseminate
information about the International Day of Peace to public and private
schools throughout Japan, encouraging them to observe the Day in their
own creative ways. In 2005 the International Day of Peace was widely
supported by the Ministry of Education of Japan, prefectural boards
of education, school networks and some media organizations, with activity
reports submitted by more than 62 schools. 
A
total of about 25,000 students from elementary through high school
took part in the observation. Many schools had teachers speak about
the International Day of Peace during morning assemblies and in class,
or organized special programs to study and discuss peace, the work
of the United Nations, and current international affairs. Other activities
centered around the theme of peace, included essay writing, poster
drawing, creating slogans, singing songs, and sharing a minute of
silence. Some schools also made outreach efforts to raise awareness
of the Day in their homes and local communities, while others used
the occasion to learn about the UN Millennium Development Goals and
think of ways in which individuals can make a difference in this world.
Education for sustainable development was also a focus of the International
Day of Peace activities in a few schools.
Members
and friends of the Goi Peace Foundation and the WPPS also observed
the International Day of Peace in different cities in Japan by dedicating
Peace Poles, conducting World Peace Prayer Ceremonies, participating
in community service projects, and sharing the prayer "May Peace Prevail
on Earth."
2005
World Peace Prayer Society Compilation
PICTORAL
ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS PEACE DAY EVENTS
May
Peace Prevail
On Earth
