Seton Hill University (SHU) hosted an event Sept. 21 for the international day of peace.
Mutara Katarebe was the guest speaker at the event. Katarebe is an international student from Rwanda, where genocide occurred 22 years ago. The genocide took place over 100 days and was responsible for the mass slaughter of an estimated 800,000 Rwandans.
Katarebe said that peace played an important role in the country coming together to end the genocide.
“We are thankful for days like this [day of peace] when we can bring awareness to peace,” said Katarebe.
“The international day of peace is a day in which the efforts and actions of those who have worked hard to end conflict around the world, and have put effort in promoting peace are recognized and celebrated,” said Keisha Jimmerson, director of multicultural and international services at SHU.
“The goal of the international peace day is to raise awareness of the process of peacemaking, and what benefits come with it,” said Santiago Henao, intern for the multicultural and international services office.
“Also, the purpose of this day is to encourage people to have a more peaceful approach in every aspect of their lives. This will not only benefit your way of living, but it will benefit the way of living of those individuals that surround you,” Henao added.
Students, staff and faculty were invited to attend a guest speaker event located in the parlors on the second floor of the administration building.
“[Attendees] encountered educational information related to peace, the showing that peace does not have boundaries and how the influence of peace can change a country,” Henao said.
“I hope this event will encourage others to promote peace and show that peace has no boundaries,” said Henao.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the international day of peace in 1981. In 2001, the UNGA dedicated this day as a cease-fire and non-violence day.
“The international peace day reflects Seton Hill in many ways,” said Henao. “Seton Hill has a diversified set of students with different backgrounds and views. It does not matter your background, the peace blanket covers any type of individual.”
Oct. 26 Immaculee Ilibagiza will be speaking at the Carol Reichgut Concert Hall in the Performing Arts Center. She is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Visit SHU’s box office for more information.
Published By: Paige Parise