By Rudy Joseph Jr.

Over 100 students from various primary schools around the island and the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) gathered at the Goodwill Parish Hall last Thursday, for what turned out to be an exciting rally in observance of International Day of Peace, which concluded at the Botanic Gardens.
Following the march through the streets of Roseau, the students gathered at the Gardens and were treated with entertainment and inspirational words from leaders of many of the island’s prominent youth groups.


In delivering her feature address, Secretary-General of the Dominica National Commission for the United Nations Education, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Gloria Shillingford explained that although the United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed the motion stating the need for an International Day of Peace in 1981, the official observation of a global day for peace only took place years later.
“It was only in the year 2001, that the UN General Assembly adopted a new resolution declaring September 21st each year as the International Day of Peace. This is a day of great significance to humanity … a day when we seek to promote that which will see generations lifted up out of poverty and millions of refugees return safely to their homes,” Shillingford stated.
The UNESCO Secretary-General also explained that the primary place of education for children should be the home, urging parents to set the right example. “Our parents must be more mindful of the examples which they set for our youth. We need to educate both parents and children on conflict resolution, emphasising that non-violent conflict resolution is the best choice,” she said.
Apart from the students, the rally was also attended by representatives of numerous youth organisations including the Nature Isle Youth Alliance (NIYA), the Rotaract Club of Dominica, the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA), the National Youth Environment Organisation (NYEO), and the National Youth Council (NYC).