Claire G.

"Me and my friend decided to take a photo of each other through our lenses of our cameras… I chose this photo because of how much I cherish my friendship with my friends, yes, every one of them! I don’t know where I would be without them in this world. This relates to peace because when I think of being with my friends, I just feel at peace, and I’m just very grateful for them being here for me!"

Delphae

"On the bus ride back from the [Asia Pacific Peace] museum, there was a lot of chatter and jokes happening at the end of the bus. With everyone being so care free it looked incredibly peaceful so I took a photo. Feeling joy and happiness relaxes a person and creates a place free of threats. A safe place, very peaceful."

Claire G.

"I chose this photo because I’m really fond of the memories it held with me and my friends at the beach. This photo relates with peace since our (me and my friends) hands all form a part of the star, it gives me a feeling of unison and peace between the 6 of us."

Harmony

"In this photo I see my friends. We were at the Museum, (Asia Pacific Peace Museum). We had a lot of discussions and it was interesting to see different perspectives. This brings me peace because I love being with my friends, and being with them brings me peace… This relates to peace because I was with all my friends, having fun, exploring the museum and making new memories/experiences, which I appreciate a lot, because it brought me a lot of peace."

Michael

"I chose this photo because it shows [my friend] having a good time at the beach with the sun casting a warm glow on everything making him look very at peace. There is no conflict or underlying emotions just [my friend] smiling because it’s a nice day and he got to go to the beach."

Julianne

"Before this photo was captured, I was sitting and talking with [my friend]. We were outside. In the back there were people playing soccer. It drew my attention to capture this moment so I could make sure to have a photo with [my friend]. I chose this photo because I love how clearly happy we both are. Peace, for me, is often found in calm. However, I also see it in friendship. When I am with friends, I find to be happy with myself, and at peace with myself."

Harmony

"In this photo I see my family dog with a bunch of confetti. Our dog’s name is Lucky. This photo was taken right by our kitchen to celebrate my dad’s birthday. For our dad’s birthday we used confetti papers to surprise him which did in fact surprise him. As we were cleaning up the confetti, our dog was also running around and we noticed that he had a piece of confetti stuck by his mouth, which me and my sister found really funny so we decided to take a photo of him like this. What’s crazy is that Lucky didn’t notice, maybe because it was paper confetti and paper is soft. So in this photo, I see a clueless dog with confetti by his mouth which looks like a big yellow tooth. This photo brings me peace because whether I’m having a sad or happy day, Lucky shows up and unknowingly makes my day much better. I chose this photo because in my opinion, this is the best photo I have. My sister also took this photo for me so it was really significant. Since I was celebrating my dad’s birthday, I couldn’t find a good opportunity to take good photos and I wanted to remember this special day. This relates to peace because my dog brings me peace and comforts me any time of the day."

Michael

"I chose this photo because this shows [my friend] looking calm and mindfully. This relates to peace because (just what I think) when you’re mindful you can really be at peace."

Henry

"When this photo was taken the whole camp was coming back on the bus from the APPM (the Asia Pacific Peace Museum). I was inspired to take this photo because friends remind me of peace. I chose this photo because I love to hang out with friends and I was in that moment. I think it relates to peace because when you’re with a friend they are peaceful and can help you find peace."

Harmony

"In this photo we were heading back to TCMC from the [Asia Pacific Peace] Museum. Everyone was doing their own thing like chatting, sitting down or listening to music. Although I knew what everybody was doing because I obviously observed the people I knew, it makes me wonder what the other people on the bus were doing or thinking. I feel like this photo shows some part of what brings people peace, like some people are talking ,some are on their phone, some people are listening to music, etc. Oh but don’t mistaken this because taking random photos at random times doesn’t bring me peace, I guess the setting does. People bring me peace is what I am trying to say… I chose this photo because I enjoyed my bus ride from TCMC to the Peace Museum (and back I guess lol). I spent all of my bus ride talking and listening, and speaking to my friends brought me a lot of peace which I appreciate a lot. It relates to peace because I got to spend time with friends, and communicate a lot. Everytime I take the bus regardless of whether I’m going to school or not, it reminds me of my bus rides going to school."

Amber

"To me, this circle of chairs represents peace because we are all gathering in this place in equality and we are physically united by the seating. We are literally connected to one another, in the same position working together to discuss topics and actively engage with one another. I think that our real life networks, communities, friend groups, families and relationships should reflect this circle. We should view each other as equals, each with valuable input, and be united despite our differences. When one falls, thus disrupting the circle, we should be there to pick them up and allow them to rejoin or temporarily fill the gap."

Michael

"I chose this photo because it shows [my friend] being happy that he made an amazing butterfly for the first time. This photo relates to peace because [my friend] was rewarded for his efforts learning how to make origami butterfly with an origami butterfly."

Amber

"I think this photo relates to peace because of the calm music can bring to people’s hearts, lives, places, and situations. The music gave the sanctuary a feeling of liveliness and tranquility as it danced around the hall. Music has been here since the beginning of civilization and is an integral part of human lives. It can heal, soothe us, voice our thoughts, express our emotions, tell us stories, and carry worldview messages we may unconsciously or voluntarily adopt and blend into our own lives. Music is a powerful tool and can bring peace or be used to restore calm."

Amber

"This photo represents peace because of the way you can find peace and inner serenity amidst a busy day, traffic around you, and the conversational chatter on the bus. Peace can start within you, with your feelings and emotions right where you are. The small moments of life that give you peace are worth celebrating and relishing."

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

Toronto Peace Academy is an initiative of