Fostering Empathy, Kindness, and Understanding: The Vision of Peace Days

In a recent video interview with Gary Senft, a dedicated advocate for peace and harmony, we gain valuable insights into the profound mission of Peace Days. This platform seeks to inspire and cultivate empathy, kindness, and understanding on multiple levels, spanning local, national, and global communities.

At its core, Peace Days aims to empower individuals who aspire to nurture a society marked by peace and compassion. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogues and the formation of connections that promote action and foster unwavering commitment to advancing a positive culture of peace and peace education.

The roots of Peace Days trace back to 2003 when Rotary World Peace Partners first conceived the idea. Their vision was simple yet powerful: to envision the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as a symbol of hope for oppressed, impoverished, and vulnerable people across the globe. From this vision, Peace Days emerged as a celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

Gary Senft, a proud Winnipegger, holds a unique perspective on his hometown. He sees Winnipeg as an island geographically distant from the next big city. This isolation, he believes, has spurred the development of a rich cultural heritage within the city. Winnipeg’s diverse populations, exceptional educational facilities, and unique social environment create a vibrant tapestry of opportunities for fostering peace and understanding.
Drawing parallels between the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and the Peace Days Movement, Senft emphasizes that words like peace, compassion, and human rights coexist harmoniously. Peace Days, through its efforts in education and community engagement, aligns with the principles celebrated by the museum, such as equality, diversity, and inclusion.

One of the key aspects of Peace Days is its impact on the younger generations. Senft stresses the importance of youth engagement and mentions initiatives like “Picture Peace.” This project encourages students to capture images that embody the concept of peace in their eyes. These diverse photographs serve as a testament to the multifaceted nature of peace. The students’ participation fosters creativity and empowers them to contribute to a cause they believe in, as the funds generated from their work are donated to various charitable endeavours.

One remarkable aspect of Peace Days is its celebration of various ethnocultural groups. This celebration has a profound impact, as it encourages groups from the diaspora to come together and form a stronger community bond. Moreover, it promotes integration into Canadian culture and the economy while fostering a deep appreciation for one’s roots. Senft emphasizes that celebrating where you came from is just as important as celebrating where you are. Peace Days provides a platform for individuals to give back to their adopted home and their countries of origin.

Peace Days, as championed by individuals like Gary Senft, exemplifies the power of unity, compassion, and the celebration of diversity. This movement embodies the essence of peace, kindness, and human rights in action by fostering understanding, nurturing the younger generations, and bringing together various communities. It not only celebrates the ideals of a better world but actively works to create one locally and globally.

–Yuliia Kovalenko, U Multicultural