may think too of the Vietnamese lady, Kim Thuc. She was a victim of American napalm bombs and became a symbol for a whole generation when she fled naked along a Vietnam road. "To pass from a war culture to a peace culture is not an impossible dream. It can become a reality if we truly want it to." Kim Thuc lives at the moment in Toronto and is an ambassador with UNESCO.
We are all acquainted with some organism which works for human rights. The Afrika Centre in Montreal (1644 rue St-Hubert), for example, organizes meetings to help Africans and Canadians to get to know each other better by discussing a variety of subjects of common interest. In particular, the Centre provides opportunities for rich people to meet poor people whom they would never otherwise see, and promotes activities which seek to present Africa in a positive light. This is one example of work for improving the world.
"Peace on earth to men of good will," is the Christmas message. A New Year will shortly be dawning, a year which will finally give way to the Year 2,000 and the next millennium. What are the little candles we can light to show the way to future peace? Each one no doubt must decide for himself or herself.
Here are some suggestions:
* Take part in the Walk for Peace with the Young of the World.
* Sign a petition for Third World Action.
* Join an organism dedicated to promoting international justice or development.
* Make a gift to Development and Peace or to a missionary community.
* Take part in a memorial service for victims of violence, (like that for the young women killed ten years ago at the Polytechnic Institute.)
* Pray for peace in the world.
* Buy a book about peace for your children.
* Be reconciled with a neighbour or relative.
* Wish each other peace during family feasts.
Our wish: Do not just keep the peace: spread it.
Paix (French). Shalom (Hebrew). Amahoro (Kinyarwanda). Amani (Kiswahili). Here (Bambara). Peace!
Michel Fortin, M.Afr.