
Children of different faiths deliver common message for peace on first anniversary from Ukraine’s invasion
Why are there wars if religions proclaim peace, and if there was a god, then why did he not answer prayers and allow natural disasters to happen?
Faith leaders gathered at Maria Regina College Qawra Primary faced these burning questions from young students gathered today to mark Interfaith Harmony Week, which this year coincides with the first anniversary Russia’s war in Ukraine, killing thousands and displacing millions.
Organised by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, this event brought more than 100 students from Years 4, 5 and 6 together with leaders from 20 different faiths and religions to send a common message of love and acceptance.
The students have been enthusiastically preparing for today’s event by putting together an exhibition, a dance sequence, and a poetry recital for the arrival of the faith leaders.
MFWS chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said the foundation believed in a universally inclusive world, where the human rights and dignity of each person were paramount.
“Today more than ever, as we mark the first anniversary from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, dialogue and peace should be at the forefront of all we do, to secure society’s mutual understanding, produce a sense of harmony and improve cooperation,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.
The college was specifically chosen because of its students’ diverse backgrounds, representing a true multicultural spirit where different ideas and faiths can co-exist peacefully.
Ethics teacher Marylene Vella said although conflicts between students and different faiths sometimes arose, as teachers they promoted the golden rule of peace.
“Students question, voice their opinion and share their different beliefs. These debates help bring about cultural awareness, understanding and respect. As an ethics teacher, I believe religious diversity can help to promote learning and development for students with diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, students celebrate the fact that all people are different and unique and can contribute in different ways in society,” Ms Vella said.
- February 26, 2023 No comments Posted in: Events Tags: Ukraine, first anniversary