Good Prizes for Three Age Groups
The Rotary Club in Newton Aycliffe is part of the global organization, Rotary International, active in over 150 countries.
As well as making a contribution to our local communities we are involved in international programmes such as the eradication of Polio, Water Aid, Shelter-Box, Education etc.
The Rotary theme for this year is PEACE THROUGH SERVICE recognising there are over 76 armed conflicts throughout the world at this time.
For the last 10 years Rotary have sponsored scholarships in Peace and Conflict Resolution at six Universities around the world. These scholarships enable students from all ethnic and religious backgrounds with different ages and professions to study for two years for a Masters degree in conflict resolution studies.
There are now over 700 graduates operating around the world, many in war zones, working with local communities to resolve disputes before they escalate into conflicts such as we are witnessing currently in Syria and throughout the middle east.
We do not hear much of this work because there is a peaceful outcome and that doesn’t rate as news in the media.
Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club believes the future lies with our young people and we would like to think that we can support the work of the peacemakers with words of encouragement from children.
We are inviting school-children from our area to compose and send us a POEM for PEACE. We hope to compile a selection into a book which will go on sale throughout the north east with receipts shared between the local community and in funding Peace Scholarships.
Entrants are deemed to agree to their work being published for this purpose.and Parents and schools are urged to encourage participation.
The Age groups are up to 11; 10-12 and 13 to 18. Suitable prizes will be awarded to the first three in each age category.
All entries to be in by 31st May, sent to Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club, c/o Newton News, St. Cuthbert’s Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6DX. e-mail: syd@newtonnews.co.uk.
