Mindanao Week for Peace 2011

Mindanao Week for Peace 2011 (Nov. 24 – 30, 2011)

 “Common word between you and us: Love of God and Love of Neighbor” – the theme of this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace originated from a famous letter written by 138 Muslim religious leaders and scholars from all over the world on October 13, 2007. They addressed the letter to Pope Benedict XVI and other leaders of the Christian faith. It was a call for peace and harmony through inter-religious dialogue. They quoted the Prophet Muhammad who had addressed the “people of the Scripture” concerning a “common word between us and you.” That common word consisted of faith in the One true God, Love of God and love of neighbor.

The Davao City Special School has engaged in various activities that are helpful in the promotion of peace especially in Mindanao and this was highlighted during the celebration of the “Mindanao Week for Peace 2011.” In line with the above mentioned celebration, different activities were performed by SPED students and these were poster making contest, role playing, simulation games, dramatization, and other activities which were thought significant in the promotion of peace. Some of the suggested topics integrated in the lesson were as follows: dismantling the culture of war; promotion of human rights and responsibilities; building intellectual, respect, reconciliation and solidarity; cultivating inner peace; living with compassion and justice; and living in harmony with the earth.

The celebration was considered a success since students were able to internalize the significance of peace in the workplace, the community and in the whole world.