Hundreds of Tanzanians Celebrate International Day of Peace with Environmental Outreach

Evarist Kamwaga

November 13, 2024

A group of Tanzanian students in uniforms and headscarves, wearing scout neckerchiefs, are seated on white chairs. Their gathering reflects a spirit of unity reminiscent of the International Day of Peace.

Students participate in Peace Assembly commemorating International Day of Peace in Tanzania.

The International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, is celebrated worldwide on September 21 each year. This year, on the eve of Peace Day, various organizations, including the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Tanzania, UN, UNDP, GNRC, Roots and Shoots, Center for Youth Dialogue, Scouts Tanzania, Jane Goodall Institute, and the Prime Minister’s Office, came together in Mtwara for a commemorative event. The theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” emphasized the role of youth as agents of change.

The initiative began with environmental outreach in Miseti, where over 200 participants, including local youth, community members, and government officials, planted trees along the coast. By day’s end, more than 1,000 trees stood tall as symbols of new beginnings.

Ward Executive Officer Hamis Mwidini Salum officiated the event, linking environmental conservation to peace. He emphasized, “Climate change isn’t just about weather; it affects everything, even the peace in our communities. If we don’t preserve our land, food production will suffer, and where there is hunger, conflict soon follows.”

A man in a green shirt, as part of an Environmental Outreach initiative, distributes items to a group of Tanzanian women in colorful attire standing in line outdoors.

Volunteers hand out gloves for tree planting service project.

Mary Miseti, chairwoman of the local women’s group, highlighted the vital role women play in both environmental and peacebuilding efforts. “By planting these trees, we are preserving the environment for future generations,” she said, her words reflecting the commitment of many local women who had come together to protect their community.

The event later focused on education at Mtwara Teachers College, where over 500 youth from different schools and colleges took part in a special Peace Assembly. Why focus on education? Education plays a crucial role in shaping societal values, culture, and norms, where life principles and perspectives are developed. This made it an ideal match for this year’s theme. During the assembly, participants delivered speeches, poems, and songs centered on peacebuilding. Scouts demonstrated leadership, and a talent show featured music and dance performances.

In a symbolic act, GPF country director Hussein Sengu asked students to tear a sheet of paper and try to reassemble it. As they struggled, Sengu explained, “Once peace is torn apart, it takes much longer and greater effort to restore.”

Tanzanians are engaging in environmental outreach by planting a tree in a field under a cloudy sky. Wearing gloves and surrounded by greenery, their efforts symbolize peace and sustainability for the International Day of Peace.

Peace Day volunteers plant hundreds of trees to celebrate peace.

As the day concluded, United Nations representative Humfrey Otarru reminded everyone, “When you love and respect those around you, it’s harder for hate and conflict to grow.” His words perfectly closed a day dedicated to nurturing peace.

The event emphasized that commemoration alone is not enough. Everyone, especially the youngest, has a responsibility to inculcate a culture of understanding, respect, and kindness.