A NEW rotary club competition hopes to promote peace and mental wellbeing among school children in Worcestershire.
The Peace Pole competition forms part of a drive by Redditch, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Stourport and Bewdley rotary clubs.
It aims to tackle underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education and unequal distribution of resources.
To reflect this, school children in the county are being asked to submit peace gardens designs.
The winning entry will be awarded their own bespoke peace pole, donated by the Heart of England Rotary Clubs.
With an estimated 250,000 across the globe, peace poles are internationally recognised as the most prominent symbol, monument and silent visual for peace.
Rotarian and peace project coordinator, Margaret Morley, said: “Promoting peace is a Rotary area of focus as well as part of the school curriculum.
“It’s not just about planting a peace pole, it’s about working with schools to encourage young people to think about what peace means.
“Peace poles are so important as they take children out of the classroom and provide areas of tranquility and reflection, which is so important for mental health.
“They are a constant reminder that we are working together to create a caring and compassionate society.
“Children love them and ceremonies can be planned around them to encourage a culture of peace within schools.”
Schools can email [email protected] if interested in taking part.
