Peace does not only mean the absence of war; peace means the presence of harmony, love, satisfaction and oneness.

Labasa Cane Producers Association project officer Lakhan Kumar made the comment yesterday at the Scout Hall in Labasa.

“The theme for this year ‘together for peace, respect, safety and dignity for all’ is very much self explanatory,” Mr Kumar said.

Mr Kumar was speaking as the chief guest of the celebration of the International Day of Peace to teachers and 123 scouts from 18 primary schools gathered inside the hall.

“If we regarded each other as one family in this nation then there would have been togetherness, respect, safety and dignity for all,” he said.

“A big bravo to the World Organisation Scouts Movement (WOSM) for taking on board the Messengers of Peace (MOP) coordinators and training the individuals for being the ambassadors of peace around the world and in the 23 districts in our nation.

“The Northern Division is very much blessed to have six MOP coordinators who are doing the job well,” Mr Kumar said.

Divisional Education Northern advisor Ashok Kumar said the theme was based on a global campaign that promoted respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search for a better life.

“International day of peace is observed around the world each year on September 21 to commemorate and strengthen the ideas of peace both within and among all nations and people,” Mr Kumar said.

“I would like to encourage teachers to teach their students to practice peace.”

The celebration was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Fiji Scouts Association Northern division.

Programme coordinator Nilesh Prasad said 28 teachers also participated.

“We had various items and activities for the students and teachers such as tree planting, dance, speech, games and presentation to mark this special celebration,” Mr Prasad said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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