DHAHRAN, 7 December 2002 — Students of the Dhahran College Preparatory (DCP) and Dhahran Elementary/Middle Schools in the International Schools Group held a dedication ceremony for their new Peace Garden planted in the schools’ compound.
The project was sponsored by the schools’ National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) with fund-raising for the Peace Garden beginning after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
“The students wanted to create a living memorial to honor those whose lives had been lost through terrorist attacks and other acts of violence,” explained Meg Porter, NJHS adviser. “We had such a wonderful response from students at both schools — DCP and Dhahran Elementary/Middle School — with nearly SR800 raised, that our Peace Garden actually spread to two areas. Each class in the elementary, middle, and high school was involved in donating a particular plant and in the actual planting of a special area of the Peace Garden.”
The excellent weather in the Eastern Province has brought all the flowers of the Peace Garden into bloom and the plants’ foliage is showing the bright green of new life. Memorial plaques at both Peace Garden sites read:
“Peace Garden
A Prayer for World Peace
In loving memory of all those
Whose lives have been lost through violence.
By living our commitment to bring peace to the world
We remember them and their families. Planted by the students of Dhahran Elementary, Middle, and High School National Junior Honor Society November, 2001.”
At the dedication ceremony, Porter requested of the students, “Every time you pass this garden, please say a little prayer in your heart for peace in the world.”
Fred Bowen, superintendent, International Schools Group, was on hand for the ceremony and was quite pleased with the enthusiasm of all the students for the Peace Garden project.
“This project is important because our students are memorializing the victims of war and violence,” said Bowen. “Students at international schools come from a variety of backgrounds — nationally, religiously and politically. We are interested in finding any way in which we can participate to increase understanding between our students. Thus, a project such as this Peace Garden is especially welcome.”
During the dedication of the Peace Garden, students from various classes in each school were invited to give their comments on peace. Fourth grader Gina Saryeddine said, “Peace means: Planet earth and community existence. Peace is living together safe and happy, free to do what we want to do. No wars in our country, no enemies to kill our families. And finally, being free from any disturbance in our community. I believe everyone, from any country, state, city and any other place would love to have a world of peace.”
The students from NJHS who followed the Peace Garden through from concept to creation, were excited about how beautiful the garden appeared and how well the idea had been received by their fellow students. They had been anxious to bring the project to fruition, especially since a year is a relatively long time for students to wait to see the effect of their work.
“We really have created a peaceful spot for people to come and remember what peace means,” said Noveen Ausat, secretary, NJHS.
“I would like to thank all those who worked on the project. When I think of how many people worked together on this Peace Garden and how we managed to grow something beautiful and meaningful, it shows what people working together could create for the future.”
Another NJHS member, Zach Fleck, was a bit introspective on the experience: “It was great to see all the students happy to be a part of this project. The growth of the Peace Garden symbolizes the growth of peace and love. I think if everyone tries to live in peace it can happen, but people need to accept each other’s differences.”
The morning of the Peace Garden dedication was so bright, filled with sunshine and happiness. It was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by hundreds of young, innocent children all thinking of peace. “This garden reminds us that we need peace in the world,” said 8-year-old Alex Schenck. “We must find ways to do more things like this.”
Another student, Reina Mora, chimed in, “Peace means no war, no fighting, every one sharing. Did you know that?”
Eight-year-old Rami Maaloul added, “I think peace is making friends around the world. I am from Lebanon and I am always wishing the trouble we had there won’t happen again.”
Jodutt Basrawi quietly commented, “Peace means kindness and living with courage. War is a bad thing because people get killed and that’s not good.”
Once all the students rushed off to their classes, Bruce Hudson, principal, Dhahran Elementary/Middle School stood contemplating the lovely Peace Garden. As the principal of a school filled with students from so many backgrounds, he has found that diversity is not a barrier to building a sense of togetherness and a spirit of inclusiveness.
“Peace starts in the community,” explained Hudson, “when we respect and honor the positive aspects within different cultures and embrace the benefits they bring. It is not where one comes from that is important. It is what a person adds to the community that matters. Peace and a change for the better in our world begin with each individual. Make a difference in one life and soon it spreads and then you have a culture of sharing and giving.”
