Jaxon

"I was biking down my local trail listening to music. I was alone and decided to take a break in the shade. I thought the shot of a dark tunnel to a bright scene felt inspiring. I lined up my shot w/o flash and continued biking. I chose this photo because of the meaning behind it. We all go through tunnels in life, dark struggles or habits that don’t seem to end. But tunnels always have an entry and exit. There will always be peace sometime or another."

Delphae

"This is a photo taken at University of Toronto of two gorgeous gothic style buildings. These buildings were very pretty and felt almost fantasy-like. Often gothic buildings mesmerise you with their intricate designs and breathtaking structures. It takes an immense amount of effort and human creativity. It feels quiet and peaceful."

Summer

"In this photo, I was outside when I looked up at the sky and realized there were no clouds in the sky! It brought a calming sense of peace as I stared up into what seemed like endless blue. Just for the aesthetics, I decided to include the street lamp as well as part of a tree. This is my favourite photo taken this week. I hope you can feel the peace captured in this moment. Our group had just finished a day at the Asia Pacific Peace Museum (APPM for short). We were outside the museum, about to take a group photo together. I looked at the sky, saw it, and snapped a photo… The simple things in life can bring a sensation of peace and/ joy."

Michael

"I was skating home while at the intersection of Gerrard and Woodfield Street and I wanted to capture the freedom I felt at the moment. I chose this photo because whenever I am skating I get time to reflect and just be in the moment. This photo relates to peace because when I skate it truly lets me feel free, free from problems, work, and the world."

Joanna

"In this photo, you can see the outside of the subway station… I was going home with someone from my mom’s office. We stopped at our subway station when I thought to take a photo of this. It was kinda in the afternoon when I took this. I for some reason felt a sense of relief using the subway to go home, maybe that’s why I took a picture of this. This photo relates to Peace because I felt some kind of relief when going home. I guess going home makes me comfortable."

Jaxon

"This was the last day we had to take photos before they were sent to develop. My friends and I went outside for inspiration. We were around the [TCMC] garden and the sunflowers caught my eye. I took inspiration from my brother (a photographer) and tried a really obscure angel pointing to the sky. I find unconventional perspectives help us find peace everywhere. This photo reminds me of album covers from my favourite artists. I think music can help us express our emotions by relating to lyrics or enjoying its production. Music reminds me of peace because it’s when I can be myself and better express myself."

Delphae

"My sister and I were taking a visit to T&T to pick up some snacks. The cakes looked super delicious and the designs were very cute. It brings me a lot of joy, and I decided to take a photo. The cakes are visibly cute and pretty, and they all are in pretty colors. Food brings people peace, especially ones that are sweet!"

Henry

"When this photo was taken we were in the park by the beach beside Lake Ontario. When the photo was taken, me and Nathan were playing pass with a soccer ball, in an open area of the park. I was inspired to take this photo because I love playing soccer. I chose this photo because I always play soccer with friends and it is fun and it brings me joy. It relates to peace because my friends help me find peace."

Nathan Ngai

"This photo illustrates a sign for “Kennedy RD business association”. Surrounding the text is a collection of 49 different country flags, including the Canadian flag… I took this photo while waiting for the bus home. It was dark out at 9pm beside the gas station. The bright sign and vibrant colours of the flags on the sign drew my attention late at night. I chose this photo because the various flags represented a sense of community and inclusiveness. The message, that people of all ethnicities are welcome, is a vital step towards a supportive peace-building community."

Delphae

"I was at Queen’s Park with my sister and we came across the statue of Edward VII. Edward actually earned a popular nickname of “peace maker” because he helped foster a better relationship with the European neighbours. Additionally, he is seen riding a horse, which is often a symbol of freedom. With these variables in mind, I had to take a photo. This statue gives a sense of freedom and liberty. I assume these things are closely tied with peace because you cannot feel at peace if you feel trapped or oppressed."

Jaxon

"A cement pillar on the top left of the picture supporting a bridge above. There’s graffiti that says “Save the kids FREE PALESTINE” in thick black letters. White rock scatter the ground and the sun hits it. A blue metal fence covers the sene with grid lines. I was riding my bike down my local trail and saw graffiti. Instead of artwork or a tag it was a message. The person who sprayed this just wants peace. It reminded me to be grateful to live in Canada. This is a very unique photo in my catalogue of nature shots. The nature shots focus on where I was but this photo has international connection. I chose the photo because it promotes peace and awareness of the war between Palestine & Israel."

Toronto Peace Academy is an initiative of Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church.

Toronto Peace Academy is an initiative of