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Center for Catholic Education at UD

International Day of Peace 9-21-18

Written by Andre (Pono) Riddle

 Maluhia. Paix. Pax. Paz. Peace. Those are some of the ways to say “Peace” in Hawaiian, French, Latin, and Spanish. As listed on the UN website, this year’s theme is “The Right to Peace–The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.” Thanks to the establishment of this day in 1981, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

 On September 19, the UD ECHO Program facilitated a retreat for the student group, the “Peacemakers” at Ascension Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio to prepare for International Day of Peace on September 21. This year, the prestigious group consists of sixty-three 7th and 8th grade students from local Catholic schools, who were chosen by either their principal or peers as leaders and role models. I led the retreat, along with Director, Rhonda Mercs and other ECHO clinical counselors, using the theme: “Leading with the Aloha Spirit.” Not only was it a personal connection for me because I am from Hawaii, but I also wanted to share insight on cultural sensitivity with the Peacemakers.

 While on this retreat, the Peacemakers sat in mixed groups, consisting of both  7th and 8th graders from different schools to familiarize themselves with each other and with the Hawaiian value that served as their group name. The group names: Akahai (kindness), Lokahi (teamwork/harmony/unity), Oluʻolu (agreeable), Haʻahaʻa (humbleness), Ahonui (patience), Naʻauao (knowledge), and ʻOnipaʻa (steadfast)––when taking the first letter of each word––spells out “Aloha Nō.” The Peacemakers were told that “Aloha Nō” was not just to be used to greet with emphasis, but also to promote peace with an open mind and open heart––with whatever and whomever they encounter. The Peacemakers engaged in team-building activities, were given a “crash course” about Hawaii, were given leis, and listened to Hawaiian music while making peace posters for their schools to immerse themselves in the Hawaiian Culture. Rhonda Mercs, ECHO Director, emphasized that peace is not just to be celebrated and promoted on International Peace Day but every day, and how paramount each Peacemaker’s role is in their school and community, as well as reminded them to carry the Aloha Spirit with them wherever they go. Before parting ways, the Peacemakers were also given a glass marble gem, with the analogy of a stone being dropped in water and creating ripples. It symbolizes that what and/or whom they encounter should have a positive impact so that others can follow suit.

 An ʻōlelo noʻeau, or Hawaiian proverb, that comes to mind about promoting peace is ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia (No task is too big when done together by all).

 Edited by Barb Miller

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