On Friday 16th August the Peace Foundation hosted its 20th Youth Peace Symposium at the Western Springs Community Garden Halls. Over 200 students and educators from across Aotearoa gathered to connect and explore the theme Celebrating Peace Icons: Past, Present, and Future. The symposium, our largest yet, was a great success.
The event opened with a pōwhiri led by Western Springs College, Ngā Puna O Waiōrea. This was followed by engaging speakers, activities, and events. A highlight was a dynamic panel discussion with notable figures, such as Soumya Puri, Caeden Tipler, and Vira Paky. Each panelist brought a unique perspective to the theme of peace, reflected on their mahi and highlighted the role of youth activism in driving social change.
Cam Calkoen, our motivational guest speaker, shared his personal journey and inspiring words of resilience. The day concluded with an interactive session. In cross-school teams, students collaborated on projects that challenged them to think critically about contemporary and future peace icons, and to develop their own icon.
During the symposium, the Peace Foundation presented Donna Hourigan-Johnston a golden plaque to honour her service to, and relationship with, the Peace Foundation. Donna has been the peer-mediation coordinator at Mount Roskill Grammar School for 21 years. In Christina’s words, this was an ‘emotional acknowledgement and farewell to a truly dedicated and committed, local peace icon’. The Peace Foundation also presented a plaque to Mount Roskill Grammar School to acknowledge their commitment to peace and peer mediation for 30 years!!!
Once again, the Youth Peace Symposium not only provided a platform for learning but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the attendees.
Recent Comments