Walk for Peace - UWC CI joins the walk.

It was a brilliant, sunny day on the 16th of May, 2023, when an extraordinary event occurred at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). On this remarkable day, the vibrant UWC community came together, not for an academic symposium or sporting event, but for a cause transcending cultural, social, and linguistic barriers – promoting peace. It was a brilliant, sunny day on the 16th of May, 2023, when an extraordinary event occurred at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). On this remarkable day, the vibrant UWC community came together, not for an academic symposium or sporting event, but for a cause transcending cultural, social, and linguistic barriers – promoting peace.

At the Confucius Institute at UWC, we found ourselves in the privileged position of both observer and participant in the diverse initiatives that the university undertakes. One such initiative is the Ubuntu Peace Project and the Walk for Peace. The event, a collaborative effort of the UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development and Peace, the Olympic Education Team, UWC Sports Administration, and the Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS), was a testament to our collective desire to foster peace and unity within and beyond our campus borders.

We are excited to share that our UWC Confucius Institute actively participated in this noteworthy endeavour — our engagement in this initiative aligned with our long-standing mission to bridge cultures and build friendships.

The walk commenced at the Jakes Gerwel Hall and wound through the lush, tranquil paths of the UWC Nature Reserve. It was a visual spectacle to witness the parade of individuals unified in their commitment to peace, their steps resonating with a shared purpose. Seeing the active involvement of the UWC Confucius Institute in the Ubuntu Peace Project was indeed a heartening sight. By aligning ourselves with this peace initiative, we hope to instil the values of harmony, respect, and mutual understanding, which are at the core of the Confucius philosophy, into our community.

And as the walk concluded, it was clear that the journey towards peace was far from over. The event did not merely signify an end; instead, it marked the beginning of our steadfast commitment to the Ubuntu Peace Project. We hope to inspire others to walk this path with us, embodying the spirit of "Ubuntu" - "I am because we are." Ultimately, it isn't just about the steps we take but the footprints we leave behind. Let's shape a world that thrives on unity, celebrates differences, and embraces diversity. Let's make peace a lived reality, one step at a time.

Next year, we hope to see you all at the Walk for Peace.

This was posted on the University's official website.