A school in Bromsgrove is proud and delighted to become the 100th recipient of a Peace Pole following a successful campaign.
Pupils at South Bromsgrove High School gathered to witness the planting ceremony of the Pole in their peace garden last Tuesday (June 25).
The Peace Poles form part of a drive by the Heart of England Rotary to tackle the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education and unequal distribution of resources.
They have been planted in schools and community gardens throughout the East and West Midlands, spanning Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Coventry and Birmingham.
Headteacher at South Bromsgrove High School, Chris Smith, said: "We are incredibly proud to have been nominated by the Rotary Club of Bromsgrove to be the recipient of the 100th Peace Pole in the district.
"The Pole will act as a visual reminder to the whole school community of the need to promote peace and to treat others with respect.
"Our students realise that in the current climate of conflict and unrest across the world, this an essential part of being a good global citizen."
Made from recyclable materials, the Poles give a powerful message, 'May Peace Prevail on Earth', which can be conveyed in eight languages reflecting the school or community in which they are planted.
Braille can also be included.
The idea originated in Japan in the wake of the destruction wrought by the Second World War and the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
It was adopted by the World Peace Society Charity and became accepted by the UN as one of the accepted International Symbols of Peace.
Warwick Rotarian and Peace Project Co-ordinator, Margaret Morley, said: "I have been overwhelmed with the way the project has taken off especially in schools. We started with one pole planted in a school in Corby, Northamptonshire, in 2017 and now have reached one hundred.
"I feel so proud that Rotary is providing a lasting legacy for generations to come. With the help of Rotary, schools and communities are causing a ripple effect of peace, that spreads far and wide, transforming lives.
"We are looking forward to planting the next 100."
Amal Rampal, district governor for Heart of England Rotary, added: "Peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. We believe when people work to create peace, in their communities, the changes can have a global effect.
"Peace Poles are an internationally recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family.
"Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations. Half of them are children.
"If Rotary is to create an environment where peace should prevail, where better to start than with our children."
Any schools or organisations interested in finding out more about Peace Poles are invited to contact Margaret Morley at morleyam@aol.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here