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Messages of Peace, by Children and for Children |
Links
Resources
Arabic Words To Use in Creating Messages of Peace
Questions &
Jennifer McConochie |
By the end of December 2006, approximately 300 cards will be created by children in several 4J Schools, both elementary and middle schools, from a project known as “Hands Across the Sea”. Conceived as a Possibility for Creativity and Friendship, the project offers Eugene children a chance to send messages of friendship and compassion to those children leading very difficult lives in Iraq. Jennifer McConochie created the project out of a Landmark Educationleadership program. Part of the coursework is to create a project that benefits the community. Along with Sisy Anderson, coleader of the Hands Across the Sea project, Jennifer endeavors for children to discover their ability to lend their voice to a greater community, the world community; creating friendship that leads to new understanding and peace. As an artist, Sisy was inspired by the powerful messages that seem to come so naturally to children. “Children have benevolent and wise voices when speaking about peace, friendship, and love. It will be a powerful experience for their voices to be heard.” And here are some of those messages:“ Dear Friend, I would like for you to be happy and healthy, well and have peace. I’m sorry things are going hard for you.”-Cody age 8 “ Dear Friend, I wish for you a smile and a heart filled with love. I wish you will always be happy and if you ever shed a tear it is because you are happy. Always remember I care about you. If you are in really hard times this might bring comfort. Also, I hope tonight after you get this letter you will feel filled with love as you lay down to sleep. -Natalie, age 11 “Dear Friend, I wish for you to feel safe and comfortable.” - A.L., age 6 “Dear Friend, I wish love and comfort forever. Hope and color. I wish things were going well for you like they are here. Plus I wish Peace.” - B.J., age 7 A vital component of this project is delivering these cards to an area of the world that is unreachable by mail and to some of the most traumatized children who reside in the hospitals and orphanages of Iraq. To expedite the process, Major I. Perez, of the US Army, will be in Iraq by February and has offered to deliver the cards. In gratitude and to honor the children of Eugene for their courage, compassion and creativity, the cards will be on display at the Eugene Public Library, downtown, from January 2nd to January 20th. After which time the cards will be sent. |