U of G Peace Week: Striving for Peace Globally and Locally
November 04, 2009 - Campus Bulletin
A former child soldier who survived the horrors of one of the world's bloodiest conflicts will speak out on behalf of the hundreds of thousands who have no voice during Peace Week 2009 at the University of Guelph.
Michel Chikwanine, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo and witnessed the torture and death of his father and the rape of his mother during “Africa’s world war” that claimed millions of lives, brings his message of hope to U of G Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in Peter Clark Hall.
Peace Week 2009, which runs Nov. 8 to 15, is an annual initiative planned and organized by a variety of University and student groups, including the Multi-Faith Resource Team, the Central Student Association, End Poverty Now and Residence Life.
The goal is to raise awareness that peace is a matter of global and local concern, said Jamie VanderBerg, one of the organizers and a minister with the Multi-Faith Resource Team.
“Although it's important to understand the peace process as it gets worked out in places like Afghanistan, it's also important to work toward peace at home, addressing issues such as domestic violence and gender equality,” VanderBerg said. “It's been our primary goal to raise awareness concerning peace as it pertains to the environment, religious dialogue, women’s rights and gender equality, ethnic diversity and sexual orientation. Peace Week won't solve our world's problems, but it's a step in the right direction.”
Peace Week begins Sunday with the screening of the critically acclaimed film The Hurt Locker at 8 p.m. in War Memorial Hall. An intense portrayal of sacrifice and heroism in an elite bomb squad unit serving in Iraq, the film explores the soul-numbing rigours and the allure of the modern battlefield. Tickets are $3 for U of G students, $5 general admission.
All other events are free, including:
On Monday, University of Ottawa professor Costanza Musu will discuss the Arab-Israeli peace process from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Room 103 of the University Centre.
Also on Monday, location and time TBA, “Peace at Home” will explore violence against women in our community.
Tuesday will feature a variety of activities in the UC courtyard, including a hate crimes vigil at 1 p.m., a photo exhibit, paper crane making and a dramatic performance.
The University’s Remembrance Day service is Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in War Memorial Hall.
Wednesday evening features screenings of two documentaries: Rethink Afghanistan at 7 p.m. in Thornbrough 1307, with a discussion to follow, and Invisible Children at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Centre. Poets and musicians are invited to take part in a “Peace Jam and Slam” in the Bullring at 7 p.m.
Thursday focuses on the story of a hostage survivor from the Iraq war in the lecture “The Story of Jim Loney,” at 7 p.m. in UC 103.
The week wraps up Sunday with a tour of places of worship, including a Catholic church and a Sikh temple. To register, or for more information on the other events, visit the Peace Week website.
