A concern for world peace was the key finding from a series of Rotakids workshops held at eight schools in the Retford area.

Working with the Rotary Club of Retford, children put together a heartfelt anthem for peace. The song was developed with help from many people, including Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan, and takes onboard the Rotary International key area of focus on peace and conflict resolution.

A Rotary spokesperson said: “It is clear that the world needs peace. What if children everywhere could sing a song to the grown-ups to try to touch their hearts and influence their minds? Adults can learn much from children. They see at first hand the worrying news reports about the effects of war; they understand and feel empathy for the plight of suffering children, orphaned and homeless. Conflict touches everyone.

“The words of the children were developed into not just a song, but an anthem for peace. 100 children, aged 5 to 11, had the memorable and moving experience of recording Peace Like a Flower – Retford RotaKids’ Peace Anthem.

“Working alongside professional composers, musicians and film makers, it was recorded at Ranby House School and turned into a video so their powerful message of peace can be spread far and wide.

“That video was presented to the president of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick, at a private
screening. She was so moved by the performance that she called for it to be shown on a loop at the
International Rotary Convention in Calgary in June, where it will be seen by more than 20,000 Rotarians from all over the world.

“The lasting impact of the children’s Peace Anthem, Peace Like a Flower, is a moving and profound
plea for the adults of our world to do better.”

The Peace Anthem can be viewed at https://youtu.be/NhZtjaPBqiY?si=CFRNVlInOwYknKF0

Rotakids is for children aged 12 and under. It aims to help them make friends and get involved with
activities in the community. It is are based in schools, youth groups or community centres and, with the help of from teachers, youth leaders and local Rotary clubs, youngsters can gain experience in helping others and learning new things.

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