Peace
When I think of peace I think of sunsets, smiling people, meadows, inspirational quotes. I think of news reports of wars come to an end in faraway countries and people that have made headlines across the world for standing up for what they believe in.
But maybe, peace isn’t just stunning photos taken at the right moment or world leaders reaching an agreement. Maybe peace is the smaller things, the things closer to home, the little things we do each day. Random acts of kindness; helping out a friend in need, opening doors for people, these little things that make others smile, slowly making our world better.
Imagine a world where everyone gets along, where everyone is kind and respects each other. A world where there are equal rights for all and every child has an opportunity to learn and be educated to work together. A world without conflict and where bullying, abusing or oppression don’t even exist. A place where people laugh with each other and not at each other. Where race, background and ethnicity don’t make a difference in how we treat one another and where we can appreciate our differences. This is a world of peace. But peace could mean even more than that.
In my opinion peace is not just a word. It is an idea, a belief. Currently a fantasy. When you look at the world today you do not think of peace. If we take small local steps, this fantasy could become a reality. Local programmes such as this are so important to build a sense of security and calmness in the community. So what does peace mean to me? It means to be you! To be accepted. To be free and to know that no matter what, you are safe, loved and cared for. To know that you will have help and support. Our aim is to have a respectful, loving community. Albert Einstein once said, “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”
Written and presented by: Aoibhin Spriggs, Rosa McCann & Orlagh Duncan, Year 10 students at Drumragh Integrated College
Delivered at the Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s ‘Pathways to Peace’ Peace Pledge Ceremony on 21st September 2015 
