International Peace Day 2020 - 21st September
Andover Trees United will be joined by a small group of young people to plant a tree to commemorate Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots International Day of Peace 2020.
Dr Jane Goodall is a UN ambassador and world-leading primatologist who runs the global youth organisation, Roots and Shoots. Every year, Roots and Shoots invite youth organisations from around the world to take part in a UN Peace Day procession and since 2018, Andover Trees has been the UK hosts at Harmony Woods, a community woodland behind Augusta Park.
“Unlike previous years, we can’t invite the hundreds of children and VIPs up to the woodland and to comply with Covid-19 restrictions we are having to do things a little differently,” explains Andover Trees leader, Wendy Davis. “We are delighted to be joined by Maylis and Jess, two students from Winton Community Academy who, determined not to see this important day pass unnoticed, will be heading to the wood before school to take part in a small procession and tree planting ceremony”.
“The tree being planted will honour lives lost and changed and the services given by so many across the world to help and care for those in need during the pandemic.”
The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
Jess, from Winton Community Academy, tells us about how the day went,
"The Andover peace day event was just as good as any other year with the exception of the other schools attendance because of the current situation, but the walk with the dove was very successful and one of the arches in the woods covered with beautiful doves covered in peace quotes. An oak tree was also planted by my friend and I with handfuls of dirt from all the volunteers at the woods and with a little speech from Wendy about being united in peace with the current events. So the event was really fun and I will definitely be joining in more with the woods."
Maylis also reflects on the day, “International Peace Day 2020 was definitely different to previous years. We usually have a beautiful long procession combined with many schools and other representatives however this year we had a quiet meeting with me and Jess as Winton Community Academy representatives and the Andover Trees United team. We had the opportunity to plant the Peace Tree; a strong oak; as a symbol of starting the 9th year of our 10 year plan. This was then followed by a short walk with the giant dove around Harmony Woods and then though the dove-decorated arch to finish this wonderful morning. Overall, Monday was very enjoyable and I feel honoured to have continued this tradition for another year running.”
This year, the theme is ‘Shaping Peace Together’.
“In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas. The world will be invited to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together." - https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace
