ISA – International Schools Association
International Peace Day
International Schools Association
September, 21st 2024
INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY
This project aims to promote harmony, stability, and understanding among diverse groups by organizing a race that unites the community in a common effort for peace.
Organiser:
Hypatia International School
General goals
Raise awareness about peace and solidarity
Use the sports event to educate students, families, and staff about the importance of peace and solidarity in building a fairer and more harmonious society.
Promote unity and cooperation within the educational community
The race will serve as a symbol of unity and collaboration, providing participants with the opportunity to reflect on the need to eradicate violence and foster mutual respect and empathy.
Actively involve community members
Create an inclusive space where members can contribute to a common cause and participate in the event.
Raise donations for peaceful conflict resolution initiatives
Use the event to collect donations that will support projects promoting social cohesion, peaceful conflict resolution, and sustainable community development.
Encourage an active and healthy lifestyle
Promote physical activity among participants, reinforcing the sense of belonging and collective responsibility, and stimulating civic engagement in building a society where peace is a daily reality.
Beyond being a mere sports event, this race seeks to establish a culture of peace by raising awareness among participants and the general community about the importance of mutual respect, empathy, and peaceful coexistence.
Event Background
International Peace Day, established by the United Nations in 1981, is rooted in the global pursuit of a more peaceful and harmonious world, designating September 21 as a day dedicated to reflection and the promotion of peace. This day not only emphasizes the importance of peace in conflict resolution but also celebrates collective efforts to create a violence-free environment.
The Liceo Hypatia connects to this commemoration through this project, which provides a platform to raise awareness within the educational community about the values of peace and solidarity, and acts as a catalyst for community action. By organizing a race, Liceo Hypatia creates an opportunity for the educational community to unite in a common effort to promote peace, raise funds for conflict resolution initiatives, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Thus, the project not only celebrates International Peace Day but also makes it a lived and shared reality among all community members.
What is Peace?
Peace is a state of harmony and stability in which tensions and conflicts between individuals, groups, or communities are minimized or eliminated, allowing an environment where respect and collaboration thrive. This state not only facilitates peaceful coexistence but also strengthens interpersonal relationships and fosters active cooperation within a community, significantly contributing to collective well-being.
Living in peace is an essential process for achieving sustainable development. Peace is defined not only by the absence of armed or violent conflicts but also by the ability to coexist with differences, accept diversity, and listen to, recognize, respect, and value others. It is a positive, dynamic, and participatory process that goes beyond mere tolerance, promoting a culture of open dialogue where conflicts are resolved through understanding and mutual cooperation.
This comprehensive approach to peace encompasses both personal and collective dimensions, acknowledging that inner peace and social peace are interconnected. It is a state that requires a continuous and conscious commitment from each individual to cultivate empathy, justice, and equity in all human interactions. By promoting peace, a solid foundation is established for a more just, inclusive, and resilient society capable of addressing modern challenges. Peace is, therefore, a shared goal and a continuous process that requires the active participation of all members of society, from local communities to the international sphere. Only through sustained collective effort can we build a world where peace is not just an ideal but a lived reality for all.
How to participate
Define the race location
- Choose a suitable space for the event, such as a public park or an area within the school grounds. Ensure that the route is approximately 3 kilometers long and preferably outdoors to guarantee a safe and pleasant environment for participants.
Choose the event date
- Schedule the race for the month of September, setting September 21 as the latest possible date. Pick a specific date within this range that suits the participants’ availability and allows for adequate preparation.
Communicate the project to the educational community
- Inform students in grades six and eleven, as well as their families, about the event details. Encourage everyone to participate and provide all necessary information about the race’s objectives, the route, the date, and how they can get involved.
Design a registration form
- Create a form for participants to register, collecting personal information such as name, grade, age, and donation amount. Include a section for participants to provide relevant health information, such as any medical conditions that might affect their participation or any restrictions they need to consider. Use this information to assign a unique number to each student for use during the race. Ensure the form is clear, easy to complete, and confidential. The assigned number will be given to participants on the event day to facilitate their identification and tracking.
Collect Donations
- Organize the collection of donations during the week prior to the race. Donations should be non-perishable food items and toys that are new or in good condition. Set up a specific location and time for participants to drop off these items. Clearly inform the educational community about the types of donations accepted to ensure compliance with requirements.
Promote the Event on Social Media
- On the day of the race, use the hashtag #RaceForPeace to share images and videos of the event on social media. Consider holding a small awards ceremony for the top three finishers at the end of the race.
Upload Event Evidence
- In the Google Drive folder titled “INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY – ISA 2024,” create a folder with your school’s name to store photos and videos of the event. Ensure all evidence is uploaded before September 28.
- The link to the folder is as follows: INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY – ISA 2024
Deliver Donations
- Once collected, deliver the donations to your chosen charitable organization. Take photographic evidence of the delivery and upload it to the same Google Drive folder to document the impact of the race.
Rules & Recommendations
Participants: The race will involve students from grades six and eleven.
Permissions for the location: If the race takes place in a public area, make sure to obtain the necessary permits in advance. Check the requirements for such activities and process the permits to avoid any issues.
Safety and health regulations: Adhere to all safety and health regulations. Plan appropriate emergency measures and ensure the availability of first aid services to address any issues during the event.
Alignment with objectives: All participants must understand and align with the race’s objectives. It is important they grasp both the significance of physical activity and the relevance of donations to support peace projects.
Registration and authorization: Students must have registered and submitted their donations in advance to participate in the race. Ensure all participants have parental or guardian consent to take part in the event.
Transparency in donation destination: Clearly and transparently communicate how and where the collected donations will be allocated. This will build donor trust and encourage participation in future events.
Dates: The race must be held by September 21 at the latest, and the photographic evidence and videos of the event must be uploaded to the Google Drive folder by September 28.
How to Participate
- Schools should do prior work with a group of students in order to participate effectively.
At least some idea of Human Rights across the world and a little bit of rhetorical/persuasive devices (not essential like the prior research).
- There could be listeners/ inactive guests.
Confirm interest by filling the following form
International Peace Day
- September, 21st, 2024