“This concert has opened my eyes to the fact that nowadays people do not preach peace enough among youngsters. Wars go on increasing. People are killing each other”, is Sheena’s reflection on the concert her school, Northfields International High School, organised on World Peace Day. This first concert ever organised by the school was an opportunity to show talents and the importance that youngsters and adults give to peace...

The guest of honour was Pastor Nelson from the Baptist Church. After the show, he gave a speech in which he mentioned how impressed he was by the school.

On this day, many talents in several fields were discovered. The idea behind the concert was to unite schools from all over the country and spend some time together in a peaceful atmosphere. Many schools were invited but only two attended the show - the School for the Deaf and the Ecole du Nord.

The program was very varied: speeches, poems, songs, dances, role plays and a cultural fashion show. Every part of the show demonstrated the capabilities of the pupils. Even the stage setting was great. Some art students from Lower VI had painted a huge canvas with a big peace sign in the middle where all students and teachers in the school had put their hand prints. The banner was then hung where the concert took place. It was really impressive and eye-catching.

But the most symbolic and impressive act was certainly the Bring and Share Lunch by all students. In the meantime, Sheena was hosting the show and, after this experience, she realises how much she has learnt from it. She even has advice to give: “According to me, teachers in school should talk more to students about peace and moral values and should also give them a good example. Young kids nowadays are often violent because they are influenced by what is happening around them. In my opinion, we can still save the world before it is too late. Peace and moral values should be preached everywhere, whether at home, in school or in religious institutions and hopefully, just like me, others kids might realize the importance of peace in our lives.”

<B>A place for everyone</B>

Everyone was given a chance to participate. Even Northfields teachers did a short role play. Then, students from the School for the Deaf interpreted the National Anthem in sign language and did some dancing. Ecole du Nord sang “Give peace a chance” by John Lennon. The Northfields band played “Wonder World”. But one of the most unforgettable parts was certainly when a young girl named Jessica performed a classical dance (ballet), which captivated the whole audience.

The event began at 10.40 a.m with a welcome note by Julien and Philipa (Lower VI students) and the national anthem. Lunch was served around 12.30. Clive Barnes, headmaster of Northfields, could not hide his delight after the concert. He said, “We believe it was a tremendous success. It all started from a successful letter and turned out to be a great event. At the beginning, I was not sure how the pupils and my staff would respond but it gained momentum. I think it answered a need felt by the students of Northfields International High School…”