Make A Difference Now Partners with Poems for Peace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 10, 2008 --

Lauri Bunting, founder of Poems for Peace welcomed partnership with Make A Difference Now and the children they help in Africa. Bunting traveled over to Tanzania to setup her poetry and yoga program as a volunteer. While she was in Tanzania, she talked to some of the children Make A Difference Now helps. She talked about the meaning of peace, where it abides, how it is created, how it is destroyed, and as peacemakers, actions that they can take to contribute to world peace. Together the children and Bunting explored the five aspects of peace—inner peace, family peace, communal peace, environmental peace and global peace.

In discussing symbols of peace, the children volunteered things that had personal significance—graceful giraffes; soft, round and calm elephants; fragrant and colorful flowers. One child announced that the National Anthem made him feel peaceful inside. Bunting asked him if it was because of the meaning of the words or if perhaps it was the experience of singing with others. There was an eagerness among all the children to answer the questions. The consensus was that a group of people singing about peace, unity and wisdom creates a profound sense of peace.

When it seemed like the energy in the room was waning, Bunting had the students stand-up and introduced them to a few simple yoga poses that incorporated breath. She explained that in her hometown of Sun Valley, Idaho, she teaches yoga and it is one method of feeling inner peace. Inevitably, in each class when asked if anyone knew what yoga was, someone would say, “it’s that food that is creamy and sweet!” Although poetry seemed like a foreign concept to many of the children, it was not an obstacle. Bunting broadly defined poetry as a written expression from the heart - an inner truth. The goal was for each child to tap into his/her own creativity. They were invited to write a traditional poem, a story, a prayer or a letter. The more visual thinkers are encouraged to draw a picture or symbol of peace and then explain the picture.

Make A Difference Now is seeking more volunteers to teach the children about poetry and help with other projects. For more information visit: http://www.MakeADifferenceNow.org

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