Student leaders of Somersfield Academy yesterday highlighted the importance of education in efforts to achieve world peace with messages of calm, amid reflections on global conflicts.

The event was held at a ceremony ahead of the International Day of Peace, which is celebrated around the world on September 21.

It was led by the school’s newly elected student leadership council.

Somersfield Academy said that yesterday’s event — a tradition that brings the entire school community together in a shared commitment to peace — highlighted its ongoing dedication to building empathy and awareness.

In a blog post, the school said: “At the heart of Somersfield’s philosophy is the belief that education is a powerful tool for peace.”

It added: “The Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes, both of which are integral to the school’s curriculum, share a global perspective that nurtures students to become active contributors to a peaceful future.

“Dr Montessori’s approach aligns seamlessly with the IB’s peace education principles, including human rights, environmental education and conflict resolution.”

Somersfield said its mission of inspiring socially conscious, independent thinkers, together with the educational philosophies creates a learning environment that prioritises academic excellence.

It said it also promotes a lifelong dedication to building a more peaceful world.

Zarah Siddiqi, a diversity representative of the student leadership council and advocate for education, highlighted the importance of International Day of Peace, as well as its purpose and meaning.

In an address to the school, she said: “I can’t talk about what peace means to each of us individually; but what I can do is tell you all what I think peace means to Somersfield.

“At Somersfield peace means caring for those around you. Many of us still remember the peace table in our children’s house classrooms.

“Resolving any issues which we had with our friends and dealing with any problems we faced with each other.”

Ms Siddiqi said that world peace was often viewed as an unrealistic goal.

However, she said: “Peace is our responsibility. Peace starts with us.

“We have the ability to change the world and create a future that sees happiness and joy and love.

“If we can feel peace within ourselves, we can project that peace to those around us.”

She added: “Life can’t be perfect, and life won’t be perfect, but we can work on the one thing we can control, ourselves, starting with me and you.

“We can ensure a peaceful classroom, which will transition into a peaceful school. Then a peaceful country and perhaps, one day, a peaceful world.”

A moment of silence was observed for people who lost their lives as a result of conflicts around the world.

International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly.

In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of nonviolence and ceasefire.