SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--An estimated 550 children from the Sandy Ground UNESCO-affiliated elementary school (now renamed Aline Hanson School) and the Jérôme Beaupere School took part in a march Monday at 9:00am in observance of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

As was the case last year the march followed a short circuit in Sandy Ground, starting from and finishing at the school. It was a massive turnout of children, parents and teachers, all divided into sections in Carnival parade-style.

There were many hand-painted banners and placards promoting messages of peace and love. The children, who were thoroughly enjoying themselves and singing songs, wore white T-shirts or polo shirts, many wearing posters of hand painted doves around their necks.

The long procession was led by Director of the Aline Hanson School Germain Alakan, Jean-Paul Fischer who is the Godfather of the UNESCO school and Territorial Councillor Rollande Questel who was standing in for the absent President Hanson.

“This year we added an emphasis on solidarity as we cannot ignore what is going on in Europe with the migrant crisis,” said Alakan. “Thousands are fleeing to escape the wars. So we are in solidarity with the migrants and also the inhabitants of Dominica following their crisis on August 27.”

Teacher at the Aline Hanson School, Mabel Durand-Wellington, noted it was the second march for peace and love since the UNESCO affiliation four years ago.

“We are promoting peace because children are conscious of the fact that there is a lot of violence in Sandy Ground and also at the school where children fight, or there are misunderstandings between parents and teachers,” said Durand-Wellington. “We want the school to have a sense of peace and harmony and for everyone to be happy. It has always been like that since the affiliation with UNESCO. The children are very excited to be taking part in the march. It’s all about no to violence and yes to peace and love.”

Commented representative of District Six Georges Richardson: “It was very good to see how motivated the children were for peace in the march. There is so much turmoil in the world and children losing their lives which makes this march very significant. We are not immune to what’s happening in the outside world so we have to make sure peace reigns over terror.”