September 21 International Day of Peace was celebrated ’round the world. In recognition of this day and 9/11, the Global Awareness program of Au Pair in America held a “peace” art contest for au pairs. How does “peace” look to you? Paint a picture, write a poem. Many countries were represented as au pairs across the U.S. sent in paintings and poetry. First place for a painting was won by Maxellende Chirol of France, second by Nina Weidemann of Germany and third prize went to Tatiana Dulcey of Colombia. To view these and all other entries, go to www.globalawareness.com
Poetry winners were “For Thousand Years,” Sofia Toubani, France, first prize, “Peace” by Anna Maria Wesselbaum, Germany took second place, and “Common Desire” by Bianca Ribeiro Campos, Brazil was the third place winner.
Sofia Toubani’s entry “For Thousand Years” speaks to the role au pairs play in contributing to a better understanding of other cultures:
For Thousand years, people have been fighting
Fighting for money
Fighting for lands
Fighting for religion
Fighting for rights
For thousand years, people have been dying
Dying for food
Dying because of wars
Dying because of global warming
Dying because of terrorism
For thousand years, people have been dreaming
Dreaming about a better world
Dreaming about a better life
Dreaming about no more discrimination
Dreaming about peace
For many years, au pairs have been creating friendship all around the world
No matter the home country
No matter the religion
No matter the first language
No matter the skin color
At least, somewhere, au pairs generate peace. And I love it.
Sofia Toubani
Many thanks to all au pairs who took the time to express their views. We heard from so many of them thanking us for developing such “an important project.” We learn from each other and take tiny steps towards a future of peace.