International Children's Holiday for Peace
Dia Internacional de los Ninos Para la Paz
Journee Internationale des Enfants Pour la Paix
Jounin International Timoun Pou la Pe

The first "International Children's Holiday for Peace" was celebrated in the U.S., Haiti, Qatar, & Mexico on September 20th, 2003. My dream is that our “International Children's Holiday for Peace" will be happening all over the world. It will be a day where all children can be children. No worry about hunger, war, abuses, and not being loved.

Children throughout San Diego County celebrated the new International Children's Holiday for Peace at a free, fun afternoon filled with special activities.

At four local community centers they painted murals and canvases as well as enjoyed food and entertainment (local musicians, poetry, games, drumming, storytelling) as part of my campaign for world peace. The day ended with all of the youth participating in a special candle-lighting ceremony and singing the children’s peace anthem, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.

The four locations were the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, in southeast San Diego; World Beat Center in Balboa Park; Church of the Nazarene, and EJE – Excellence & Justice in Education in El Cajon. These celebrations also occurred in 15 villages in Haiti.

In conjunction with the International Children’s Holiday for Peace, I’ve formed the “Artists for HOPE” – Healing through Opportunity and giving the Possibility for Excellence – Program. The purpose of the Artist for HOPE is to help poor children of the world become artists – as a way to improve their self-esteem, and as an opportunity to earn a living.

San Diegan artists responded to the request for artist participation at the International Children’s Holiday for Peace on the 20th in a big way. At all four locations, painters, musicians, drummers, storytellers and more shared their skills and gave the gift of music, art, fun and peace to the children attending the festival.

I am a doctor who believes that the health of our society consists of more than medical care: that teaching artistic skills fosters a healthier and more hopeful life for under-served youth. This is a win-win situation for all involved and a huge investment in the children’s future.

On a final note, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone whose efforts and dedication helped make this celebration a reality. There are hundreds of children worldwide whose lives were given peace and hope for one day, a day they will be likely to remember for years to come. We are looking forward to reaching far more children at the next International Children’s Holiday for Peace celebration, slated for the third Saturday in September, the 18th, 2004. If you would like to participate in any way - share your art, volunteer your services, work the festival, be a clown or storyteller, host a game, donate food, prizes or money - you can please contact us.

Dr. Carolle, children, and musician having fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mural painted by the children in Haiti