On September 21, the whole world celebrates the international day for Peace. This past year the United Nation’s designed theme was “Action for Peace: our ambition for the global goals.” There is something transformative about taking a moment to think about what Peace is, what it feels like, and how it impacts the world. Through “Peace You Have My Word,” a writing competition organized by Africa Learning International (ALI), students from international schools in Africa and Europe have put pen to paper to celebrate Peace, Africa, and Antiracism. Each piece of student work shows evidence that education for Peace is a powerful tool to develop self-awareness, poetic appreciation, and critical thinking. It is inspiring to see African and European students countering afro-pessimism as one. Enjoy the enchanting words and the provocative ideas!
-Estelle Baroung Hughes, Founder of Peace You Have My Word competition
African Peacemakers
I am alone in this moment, surrounded by the echoes of the past and the dreams of a future yet to be realized. I share with you the untold tales of African peace-makers, those remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to crafting a world of harmony and tranquility.
Peace is not a faraway fantasy for us Africans; it is a pounding heartbeat within our spirits, like a symphony that harmonizes the many melodies of our cultures while affirming the worth and dignity of every human. Peace is more than just the absence of strife; it is an acknowledgement of our connectivity, an awareness that we are bonded by our common humanity.
For within Africa’s heartlands, where strife once reigned and hope seemed distant, where cultures interweave and traditions dance with the rhythm of life, there exist heroes, whose names grace the pages of history books, and whose impact is etched upon the very fabric of their communities.
Nelson Mandela, the epitome of resilience, whose unwavering spirit endured years of incarceration, fought tirelessly to dismantle apartheid's chains and ushered in a new era of equality. Wangari Maathai, the embodiment of environmental stewardship, planted seeds of change that sprouted into a forest of sustainability, empowering women and restoring lands. Desmond Tutu, the beacon of justice, infused the darkness of oppression with the radiance of truth, wielding the weapon of truth to expose the atrocities of apartheid and heal wounds through forgiveness. These African peacemakers, their voices echoing through time, left an indelible mark on the continent, inspiring generations to stand up for justice, embrace harmony, and pave the way to a brighter Africa.
So in these quiet moments, when the world seems heavy and hope flickers, we can draw strength from the legacies of African peace-makers. Their voices echo through time.
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Zaki Chambas is a Grade 11 student at SOS Herman Gmeiner in Ghana.
