PLANTING PEACE in the minds and hearts of children thru education in emergency
Planting Peace started as a photo exhibition that took place in June in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde. The exhibition embodies the mission and vision of the Piarist Fathers in Cameroon: to sow seeds of peace, education, compassion, resilience, and progress within our communities.
The exhibition featured the results of a workshop held recently at the Piarist school in Bamendjou. This workshop emerged from the necessity and belief that peace must be instilled in the minds and hearts of children. Bamendjou, acting as a sanctuary for families displaced by the ongoing conflict in the NW region, faces challenges as many children have been out of school for years due to the conflict, experiencing profound trauma. Sensitizing host community children to their peers’ backgrounds is crucial, as it fosters the collective seeding of peace.
The workshop, involving 8 displaced children and 8 from the host community, aimed to nurture peace, resilience, unity, and joy. In a serene environment, the children envisioned a world of harmony and compassion, planting seeds of peace in their hearts. Their subsequent reflections revealed a remarkable diversity of perspectives, emphasizing the significance of unity and empathy in coexistence:
Absence of War: Some children perceived peace as the absence of war and conflict. They yearned for a world free from violence and the scars it leaves behind, where the gentle breeze of tranquility prevails.
Peace as Love: A profound realization emerged from several pupils, who equated peace with love. They recognized that peace flourishes when love permeates our thoughts, words, and actions, fostering deep connections and nurturing the human spirit.
Turning to God: Many children expressed the need to turn to God in the pursuit of peace. They acknowledged the divine as a source of guidance, solace, and strength, believing that a world grounded in spirituality can foster lasting peace.
The workshop transformed these young souls, giving them a glimpse of a world ruled by peace. Their diverse perspectives highlight the complexity of peace, woven with threads of harmony, unity, love, and spirituality. Let their voices resonate within us, guiding our pursuit of peace. Together, let's nurture the seeds they've planted, fostering a brighter, harmonious future for Cameroon and beyond.
THE PEACE PLANT
A very special plant grows in Cameroon that goes by the name of the Peace Plant. This plant holds a cultural, spiritual, and symbolic significance that goes beyond its literal meaning. Cameroon’s Peace Plants serves as a metaphor for reconciliation and unity. By planting or displaying Peace Plants, individuals and communities express their desire for peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. They symbolizes the hope for a future free from conflict and strife, where people can live together in harmony.
THE PIARIST FATHERS IN CAMEROON
The Piarist Fathers are a religious order within the Catholic Church: officially known as the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools, were founded in 1617 by Saint Joseph Calasanz, a Spanish priest.
The primary focus of the Piarist Fathers' work in Cameroon is Education in Emergency. The Piarist Fathers founded a total of 14 schools, and currently over 5000 children are enrolled in these schools. The Piarist Fathers foster social cohesion by uniting children from diverse backgrounds, breaking barriers, and nurturing understanding through inclusive education and community programs. Integral to their approach is the cultivation of moral values like compassion and integrity, laying the foundation for peaceful coexistence. Engaging with local communities, they empower individuals through collaborative initiatives, advocating for social justice and human rights. Through their commitment to education and community empowerment, the Piarist Fathers in Cameroon are catalysts for peace and harmony, leaving a lasting impact on society.
The Piarist Fathers in Cameroon are planting peace through their unwavering commitment to education, social justice, and community empowerment. The impact of their work on fostering peace and harmony in Cameroon is profound and far-reaching.