Youth Peace Symposium

B y : J e n n i f e r S a g o n - T a e z a , Education Specialist YOUTH PEACE Symposium

If you dream it, you can achieve it…a simple phrase that brought us to our first annual Youth Peace Symposium. The PEACE program or Peace Education And Collaborative Endeavors, considers collaboration, initiative, and shared vision as the foundation for youth to lead as model citizens, and instill peace within their community, and our world.

The first annual Youth Peace Symposium was held at Pearl Harbor National Memorial on December 5, 2019. The use of technology via Edutainment Learning by Ralph Krauss, provided the opportunity for youth participants from Hawaii and Japan to engage in conversation and present their perspectives on peace. Participants represented Nagasaki University, University of Hawaii Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Hawaii Technology Academy, Mililani Middle, Highlands Intermediate, Waipahu Intermediate, and St. Joseph Parish School.

Middle and high school youth led a virtual tour of our museums to share the history of Pearl Harbor and the path towards reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. Research was conducted on an exhibit of interest during a semester long communitybased elective. Youth presented their newfound knowledge and interpretation of peace as a result of their research.

Nagasaki University focused on the personal connections made between the A Bomb Museum in Nagasaki, Japan and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii. 5 Nagasaki University students were chosen for a 2-week internship at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Students engaged in research to support the history of Pearl Harbor and volunteered their time to put into practice their communication and social skills with visitors and staff. The 2-week internship concluded with a group presentation of their research and volunteer experiences.

The idea of peace is often referenced to a tragic event in history or conflict resolution. Presentations by youth representing Matsunaga Institute for Peace, was initiated through personal connection and perspectives of peace beyond the conventional perceptions. The first presentation focused on climate change and its effects on peace building. Another presentation showcased how health care interconnects with peace.

The symposium concluded with student representatives from Hawaii and Japan engaged in a peace discussion through a student panel. A series of questions focused on peace initiatives were generated and answered by the students.

It is a privilege and an honor to work alongside Yoshi Tsurumi, principal of Hawaii Innovative Knowledge Institute, and José Barzola, Educational Specialist for the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and Ralph Krauss, Digital Innovations for Edutainment Learning. Our mission and shared visions has led us to the first of many Youth Peace Symposiums.