International Peace Day
Local Rotary clubs celebrate Peace Day by offering Peace Scholarships at 7 universities around the world.
There are two Rotary International peace scholarship programs. One is a 15 to 24 month course for a Master's Degree and the other is a 3 months course for a Professional Development Certificate.
The scholarship includes tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship/field study expenses.
The Masters Degree program is for individuals who have already obtained a degree and intend to work or are working in a profession related to peace and conflict resolution. The three month Professional Development Certificate is for people currently working in a career which has a peace related element, such as social workers, police, other first responders or emergency personnel.
The United Nations established the International Day of Peace in 1981. September 21 is the annual date for the observation of the International Day of Peace to encourage global ceasefire and non-violence.
On Peace Day, people around the world take part in various activities and organize events centred on the theme of peace. Events vary from private gatherings to public concerts and forums involving large audiences.
Activities can include interfaith peace ceremonies, a toast for peace, a peace choir, lighting candles, peace prayers, a peace convoy of vehicles, tree planting for peace, art exhibitions promoting peace, picnics for peace and peace walks.
To help "build peace", Rotary International offers 60 scholarships annually to six universities worldwide. The selection process starts in local Rotary Clubs.
The Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution are one of Rotary’s major educational priorities. The Foundation has established partnerships with universities in Japan, Sweden, England, Australia, Thailand and in North Carolina, USA.
Applications must have earned an undergraduate degree and be proficient in a second language.
For more information contact your local Rotary club or Rotary Peace Chair, Jack Rae at bettyjackrae@shaw.ca