Over 400 Thai and international youth joined the Walkathon for Peace

Bangkok, Thailand -- (SBWire) -- 07/05/2011 --The Anglo Singapore International School (Anglo) today organized the Walkathon for Peace at the Benjasiri Park in support of the United Nations General Assembly resolution, which announced the International Year of the Youth in New York from August 12th 2010-August 11th 2011.

Under the theme Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, the International Year of the Youth aims to reach across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity.

In support of the International Year of Youth, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “Youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels. Let us acknowledge and celebrate what youth can do to build a safer, more just world.” *

Youth and youth-focused organizations worldwide have been encouraged to initiate and participate in celebration of the International Year of the Youth and its theme; and a wide array of events is currently being held throughout the world.

In Thailand, the Walkathon for Peace was the initiative of Anglo’s Year 4 students, aged 15-16 years old and the school’s Community Work Committee, to increase awareness of the International Year of the Youth amongst the youngsters in Thailand.

“This is our first public community event and a wonderful opportunity to spread the message of peace and union to our host country, Thailand,” said Anglo’s School Director, Julie Sutanto.

“We would like to play our role in supporting the UN in holding an event to celebrate the International Year of the Youth. Plus, we want to raise public awareness about the important contribution youths make around the world. Our beliefs, sentiments and actions are influenced by our innate desire for love and peace. Without it, we lack one of the core foundations of humanity. By establishing peace in the hearts of our youth, we celebrate the essence of mankind,” added Julie.

This event is spearheaded by a 15-year-old Singaporean student, Jazlina Sutanto. “We are gathering to create awareness for peace through multicultural exchanges amongst several schools in Thailand. We’re taking the first step in getting to know each other’s culture in hopes of achieving harmony in society.”

The attendees at the Walkathon for Peace comprised of students, teachers and staff from Anglo, including students from other international and local government schools, including Sacred Heart Convent School, Sainampeung School, Vijitwittaya School and Prakanongpittayalai School. Guests of Honour included Dr. Marco Roncarati, Social Affairs Officer (Social Integration Section) of UN ESCAP; Mr Chanwit Tubsuphan, Director of the Office of Private Education Commission, Ministry of Education; and Mr. William Tan Wei Yuan, Deputy Chief of Mission, Singapore Embassy, Bangkok.

In addition to the walkathon by members of the school community and the general public, the event also showcased the students’ talents with stage performances, ranging from intercultural youth exercises to music and dance shows.
*taken from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for 2010

To learn more about the International Year of the Youth, visit http://social.un.org/youthyear

To learn more about the Anglo Singapore International School, visit http://www.anglosingapore.ac.th

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