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International Bulletin - December 2001

News from Samoa

Left to right are Calmar Annandale, Paddy Walker, Laufill Pativaine Ainuu, Frieda Paul, Malieo Paia and Manamea Apelu.

Members of the Pan Pacific South East Asia Womens Association (PPSEAWA), Samoa, were on the move again recently in their tireless efforts to promote the Culture of Peace. This time the scenario was the site of the National University of Samoa's (NUS) newly established Peace Garden at the Papaigalgala campus at Vaivase-uta. Nestled in a quiet corner of the university grounds with views to the ocean, plans for the garden are well underway and will include pathways, furniture and space for each of the Faculties and countries represented at the NUS to plant and demonstrate their own special concept of peace.

There to present the furniture on behalf of PPSEAWA, a table and 3 bench-style chairs and a first for the NUS garden, was Mrs Paddy Walker, PPSEAWA's International Ambassador for Peace, who had travelled from her home in Rarotonga for the occasion. The previous week, Mrs Walker had led the children in their peace songs, which were part of the entertainment for the Mrs Samoa Pageant hosted by PPSEAWA at the Kitano Tusitala Hotel. Also present were members of the local chapter, the Registrar and Vice Chancellor of NUS. Vice Chancellor, Magele Mauiliu Magele, gracefully received the furnitire on behalf of the university.

The idea for the NUS Peace Garden was conceived last year as part of PPSEAWA's international peace initiatives and kicked off with a poetry competition with the peace theme for students at the university. The winning entries were announced and read out at the site of the proposed garden, with the Vice Chancellor and UNDP Resident Representative, Serge Ducasse, planting a Mosooi tree to mark the special occasion. Meanwhile across the ocean, Paddy Walker was realising her dream of establishing the first peace garden in the Pacific. The official opening of the peace garden coincided with the opening of PPSEAWA International's

Peace conference held in Rarotonga November 2000. This was attended by a delegation of 8 from Samoa, which included the President and Vice President of PPSEAWA.

PPSEAWA's peace initiatives have been enthusiatically supported and encouraged by UNESCO and the NUS has demonstrated its support by taking the initiative in establishing a peace garden, and also by supporting their student counsellor's attendance at the Peace conference in Rarotonga. PPSEAWA, Samoa have claimed their own space at Papigalagala and look forward to paving the way towards a more peaceful world through gardens, a special place where students, staff and visitors to the campus can relax, mediate or just simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Last Modified: November 29, 2002