BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Peace begins in homes, says Young Leonora Ora, a year-8 student from St Joseph Tenaru national secondary school.
She spoke at this year’s International Day of Peace School speech competition marked at the Melanesian Hall at the St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara on Friday, October 10.
She represented her school to deliver her speech on the topic, ‘How can young people in Solomon Islands act now for a peaceful Solomon Islands’ – Ms Ora posed the question of ‘What is peace?’
“Peace in the English dictionary is a stress-free state of security and calmness. That comes with no fighting or war. Everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom.
“But for me, peace is something you cannot gain easily. You must understand it. It is how we handle our problems and get along with each other,” she said.
“Peace begins in our homes by showing respect for each other and the planet that we share. Peace is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities, schools, and even our homes,” she added.
“Look around you and observe our country today. Can you feel the beating hearts of thousands of young people, the fear for tomorrow, the looks in their eyes, and always questioning ourselves every day? Is it safe? Is this the world you want to live in? The place where a newborn child opens his or her eyes innocently to see the beauty of this world? No, this is not my future,” said Ora.
She said that as a young peace ambassador, she strongly believes that peace must start in homes, schools, and communities.
Her speech focused on four points on how young people can make a positive difference on peace and they are, say no to violence, report bullying and harassment, involve in sports and
engage in organised youth activities.
She said that achieving and maintaining peace requires effort from everyone.
She said that every young sovereign islander can be ambassadors by showing respect, honor, and integrity.
“Obviously, we will keep facing crises on many levels, but we can manage them better with the help of peace for a better future. I leave you with this quote. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, it isn’t enough not to talk about peace. One must believe in it.
“And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must walk at it,” concludes Ora.
