Pugwash Youth Peace Exchange

Pugwash District High School students initiated a new committee, one that will work with the Pugwash Peace Exchange Society to promote the legacy of Cyrus Eaton and the Pugwash Movement. The committee is also interested in exploring issues such as conflict in schools, communities and globally.

Pugwash Youth Peace Exchange: Making a Difference

Peace, love and cooperation. Combined, these components will change the lives of future generations and the way in which we live. These components are beginning to be forgotten in this world. With wars being fought overseas and more violence in children’s entertainment, we are slowly being desensitized. However, we also begin to see something magnificent. We see people stand up and try to effect change. It only takes one voice. In all corners of the world, more and more voices are starting to shout; to be heard. One voice can inspire others, and as we unite to work towards a common goal, we begin to shape the future.

The Pugwash Youth Peace Exchange is a group that wants to leave a real mark on this world. We want to be heard. Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, and unless we come to terms with what is wrong with today, and begin to see the steps required to change things, we won’t have the building blocks to better tomorrow’s world.

 Those of us in the Pugwash Youth Peace Exchange are eager to step into the world around us and begin to change things. We are working on a few projects that will help others, such as Project Love, which sends school supplies to underprivileged children in Africa. This is giving us the chance to reach out to other kids in the hope that they will grow up to be educated adults who can effect peace in their own society. It gives us a sense of pride to know that we’re making a difference, and not just sitting on the sidelines.

As we look around in school, we see a place where we feel safe. However, we know that there are many others in the world who are not so lucky as to live in such a peaceful and loving community. There are war-ravaged towns and there are dangerous schools. We are trying to learn about these issues and problems, so that we can reach out a hand to those in need.

We strive to make a difference. We hope to establish a name, and make Pugwash known worldwide for the good things it has accomplished and for the peaceful nature that thrives in this community. We want to step up and raise our collective voice, so that others will stand up with us. This is just the first step in something bigger than ourselves. But we are taking that step, standing up, proud and tall. We ask that you come and stand beside us. Let your voices ring loud, and with enough noise, change will occur.

Melodie Elliott, Pugwash District High School student

Member, Pugwash Youth Peace Exchange