Llangollen International Eisteddfod bestows Wales’ ‘Young Peacemaker’ Awards 2023
On Wednesday 5th July 2023 at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Wales’ Young Peacemakers Awards were presented by Welsh Government’s Counsel General Mick Antoniw, among the impressive surroundings of Llangollen’s International Pavilion.
Organised jointly by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA), Academi Heddwch Cymru and Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod the annual Young Peacemakers Awards celebrates children and young people in Wales who have contributed to peace, sustainability and equality in their school, youth group, local community or in the wider world.
The adjudicators have been inspired and delighted by the entries we have received – over 60 of them from individual young people, schools and community groups across Wales! So, we would like to thank all of those who participated and encourage them to continue pursuing their goals for a fairer, more peaceful and sustainable world.
Young Peace Artist: Delilah Hayward, Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen
Delilah’s artwork “Peace, peace, peace”, reminds us of renowned activist art pieces and embraces the tradition of word art. Through her creation, she skillfully combines words and visual imagery to deliver a captivating and powerful message.
Young Peace Writer: Kenny & Ellis, Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen
Kenny and Ellis have produced a rhythmic and impactful poem setting out what peace means to them from ‘the kindness of a stranger’ to ‘what our souls desire’. An engaging and moving piece of writing.
Young Global Citizens: Ludo, Aleks & Gunel, ESC International ‘Peace Heritage’ Volunteers
During their stay in Wales the work of these young Peace Heritage Volunteers working through European Solidarity Corps with the Temple of Peace in Cardiff and Gregynog Hall Trust in Powys – Gunel, Ludovica and Aleksandra – has been inspiring, especially considering the terrible and tragic circumstances with the ongoing war in Ukraine. They have gone above and beyond their day to day responsibilities, demonstrating initiative and commitment to Wales’ Peace heritage and to peacemaking more widely.
Young Peace Organisation: Peer Action Collective Cymru
Peer Action Network is to be praised for the excellent work they have done to empower young people themselves to research and understand causes of violence in their lives and to work for more cohesive, safer communities in Wales.
Young Peacemakers: Alaw Primary School, Rhondda Cynon Taff
During their cross-curricular project, Alaw primary pupils brought the story of the 1923 women’s peace petition to life, including exploring original diary entries, and looking at the journey the women took to take their message to America. An inspiring example of initiative and creativity, topical and timely as Wales marks the centenary of the Welsh Women’s Peace Appeal to America over the months ahead.
Overall Trophy – Young Peacemakers of the Year
Winner of the overall Peace Trophy for the year 2023 – 24. The handsome peace trophy was carved for us by sculptor David Peterson, to be held by the individual or group we feel has made the biggest impact for peace.
We are delighted in 2023 to award the peacemakers trophy to Alaw Primary School – for the fantastic work they have done and continue to do on the Women’s Peace petition, bringing this amazing story alive for a new generation of peacemakers.