Students to Lead a Peace Pole Dedication on September 21

By Leigh Ann Clifton

Mount Madonna School will host its inaugural commemoration of the International Day of Peace on September 21 from 9:00-10:00am. Held each year on September 21, the United Nations has declared this as a day “devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.” This year’s theme is “End Racism, Build Peace” and further aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, Reduce Inequalities.

“The International Day of Peace is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peace and non-violence and to recognize and honor those who have fallen victim to war and other forms of violence,” commented Director of Lower School Lisa Martin. “Thousands of students from schools globally take part in this annual commemoration. Given Mount Madonna School’s long-standing and deep commitment to peace, it seems like a wonderful opportunity to stand in solidarity with other youth around the world.”

The event will be held at the school’s upper campus amphitheater. A brief Peace Pole dedication will take place and include poems and songs from students.

Two special guests, Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah and Rabbi Paula Marcus, will each share “words of peace” reflections.

“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality, and it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.

All of the SDGs are woven throughout the Mount Madonna School curriculum and initiatives, and have been for decades (even before the SDGs were formally identified). For the 2022-23 school year, six SDGs will receive extra focus at the school: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).