A school in Bromsgrove has became the recipient of the UK’s 100th Peace Pole following a successful campaign introduced by Heart of England Rotary.

The Peace Poles form part of a drive by Rotary to tackle the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

They have been planted in schools and community gardens throughout the East and West Midlands, spanning Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Coventry and Birmingham, as well as six in Southern Ireland, including two universities.

Pupils at South Bromsgrove High School gathered to witness the planting ceremony of the 100th Pole in their peace garden on Tuesday.

Headteacher, Chris Smith, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been nominated by the Rotary Club of Bromsgrove to be the recipient of the 100th Peace Pole in the district. The Pole will act as a visual reminder to the whole school community of the need to promote peace and to treat others with respect. 
“Our students realise that in the current climate of conflict and unrest across the world, this an essential part of being a good global citizen.”

Made from recyclable materials, the Poles give a powerful message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth,’ which can be conveyed in eight languages, reflecting the school/ community in which they are planted. Braille can also be included.  

The idea originated in Japan in the wake of the destruction wrought by the second World War and the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was adopted by the World Peace Society Charity and became accepted by the UN as a one of the accepted International Symbols of Peace. 

Warwick Rotarian and Peace Project Co-ordinator, Margaret Morley, said: "I have been overwhelmed with the way the project has taken, off especially in schools. We started with one pole planted in a school in Corby, Northamptonshire, in 2017 and now have reached one hundred.

“I feel so proud that Rotary is proving a lasting legacy for generations to come. With the help of Rotary, schools and communities are causing a ripple effect of peace, that spreads far and wide, transforming lives. We are looking forward to planting the next 100!”

Margaret added: “Schools really see the value as they use as part of their Peace Education Curriculum and the younger we start to encourage children to think about peace and solving conflict without violence, the better, especially in today's society.

“They have also become used as an area for children to be able to reflect. Peace Gardens, Areas of Tranquility/Refelection are so good for the mental wellbeing of young people. This also encourages environmental and creative projects.”

"The Peace Pole is a constant reminder that we are working together to create a caring and compassionate society. Children love them, ceremonies can be planned around them to encourage a culture of peace within the school.”

Each year the Rotary also awards more than 100 fully funded Peace Fellowships training for dedicated leaders around the world. And, since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centres have trained more than 1,500 fellows across 115 countries, many of which now serve as leaders in governments, the military, education, law enforcement and international organisations like the United Nations. 

Rotary’s commitment to peace, also takes many other forms such as carrying out service projects, supporting peace fellowships and scholarships. 

Amal Rampal, District Governor for Heart of England Rotary, said: “Peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. We believe when people work to create peace, in their communities, the changes can have a global effect.

“Peace Poles are an internationally recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family.

“Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution and human rights violations. Half of them are children! If Rotary is to create an environment where peace should prevail, where better to start than with our children.”