Schools Network – Together for peace - Sister of Charity of Saint Jeanne Antide Thouret

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, more than 300 young people accepted the invitation of the International Bureau of Education (IPEU) to celebrate peace.

It was an interactive and moving event that helped young people understand that “to be true peacemakers, we must educate ourselves in compassion, solidarity, cooperation and fraternity, be active in the community and vigilant in raising awareness of national and international issues of injustice and human rights violence.”

Hailing from five Mediterranean countries, these high school students from France (Pontarlier and Bagnols sur Cèze), Italy (Gorgonzola), Malta (Taxien), Egypt (Cairo) and Lebanon (Baskinta, Baabdath and Beirut) met virtually for the first time.

From the very beginning of the meeting, a feeling of universal brotherhood warmed the hearts of the participants: the pride of being part of a great international network!

After a moment of introduction, the floor was turned over to Lebanese high school students who are having a special school year, defying the bombs, continuing to study and build their future.

But they are not being trapped by anxiety or fear: in the face of hatred, violence and destruction, they are taking courage and putting themselves at the service of displaced people and children traumatized by fear and hardship.

“The war forced me to leave my home, leaving behind good memories. It was a very difficult experience that made my life unstable, like that of thousands of Lebanese. However, I learned that in the midst of chaos there is always hope”, said Maya, a student from Beirut.

Another student revealed the secret of her inner strength: “In the midst of all this chaos, I cling to the little things: a smile, a moment with my friends, a prayer in the evening. It is my way of cultivating peace despite everything”.