International Day of Peace

        21^st September, 2016

Mysore, India      

   INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people.

The Day’s theme for 2016 is ‘’The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.’’

What People Do

On the International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, people around the world take part in various activities and organize events centered on the theme ‘’peace’’. Events vary from private gatherings to public concerts and forums involving large audiences. Activities include:

§  Interfaith peace ceremonies.

§  A toast for peace.

§  Lighting candles.

§  Peace prayers.

§  A peace convoy of vehicles.

§  Tree planting for peace.

§  Art exhibitions promoting peace.

§  Picnics for peace.

§  Peace walks etc.

Public Life

The UN’s International Day of Peace is a global observance and not a public holiday. It is a day when nations around the world are invited to honor a cessation of hostilities during the day.

It is a beautiful feeling to find on-field connection with participants especially children regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or social status. It was such an amazing experience and I was happy to share it with the kids that I found at the park, Mysore-India.

It was a group of amazing almost 10 kids (boys) who speaks less English and I don’t speak their language (Kannada) but we managed to get along and have fun.

The following are the games that we played:

WARM UPS

- Running around with different movements (High knees, butt kicks and skipping).

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

THEME: Use your voice = Confidence.

LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED LINES GAME

THEME: Solving problems as a team.

OLD TRAFFORD TAG (CHAIN TAG)

THEME: Finding solutions together.

HEAD CATCH

THEME: Speed of reaction.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION (INFORMATION GAME)

Theme: Right to information and sharing information, be honest and deliver the information as it is.

MINGLE MINGLE (Numbers)

THEME: Communicating in a non violent way.

STAMFORD BRIDGE TAG

THEME: Working together and communicate.

The training was successful and I was able to coach nearly ten (10) children within 2 hours on a windy day and address special social issues such as; Child rights, gender equality, working in pairs and finding solutions together, solving problems, communicating in a non-violent way etc.

‘’Let us all work together to help all human beings achieve dignity and equality; to build a greener planet; and to make sure no one is left behind.’’ --- UN Secretary –General, Ban Ki-moon.