Many of you will remember the anti-war movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when through marches and sit-ins a small idea of peace spread from its bohemian roots to the masses. It gained huge momentum, with people throughout the world protesting against the brutality and stupidity of the Vietnam War, objecting to the thousands of innocent people dying. And the power of the people had an effect, with President Nixon signing a peace agreement with North Vietnam in 1973.
This month a school in Canterbury turned their history lessons about the past into action for the future, with a fundraising event on the International Day of Peace. Canterbury Sixth Form College have been learning about the history of anti-war movements, the need for tolerance and the power of the masses. On September 21 they held a 1970s-themed party to raise money for Peace Direct and to teach the students about charity giving. The guests dressed up in Seventies clothing and created displays on various aspects of the peace movement. They also created a peace quilt to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Karen Erskine, a teacher at the school and organiser of the party says “We often do events like this, because for a lot of our international students, giving to charity is something they do not do in their country and we feel that this is something very important they need to experience. We have a chosen charity every year, and this year we have decided to support Peace Direct.”
‘Cats’ College is an international school with students from over 40 countries, aged between 15-20. They offer A-levels, UFP courses and the International Baccalaureate. The Baccalaureate ‘aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect’. Hence Karen and other teachers at the school are so keen to get involved in International Peace Day.
We want to say a huge thank you to Karen and all the students at Cats. We hope you had a great day and felt inspired for a more peaceful future.
