PeaceJam, a nonprofit that connects nobel laureates with children and young adults, has been changing lives in Aurora for almost four years.

To honor the United Nation’s 33rd International Peace Day, students will be presenting at the East Aurora School Board meeting on their vision for achieving peace in their community. All interested in learning more are invited to attend the 7 p.m. meeting.

They are also debuting their informational video today on Connects:

The video highlights the work and vision of PeaceJam’s Aurora Chapter and introduces some of the mentors that volunteer their time to the organization. 

Sue-z Bruno, teacher at Gates Elementary School and recipient of the 2015 Kane County Elementary School Teacher of the Year award, pitched the idea of PeaceJam to the East Aurora School Board three years ago.

“School Board Member Anita Lewis thought that we should have PeaceJam at all of our schools. We are working on ensuring that all kids have a club to attend,” shared Bruno.

“We’re excited that the East Aurora School District is supporting another three year contract with the PeaceJam Foundation.”

In April 2015, Naomi Tutu, daughter Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu, presented to Aurora students on growing up in South Africa during the apartheid.

“You might not all win Nobel Peace prizes, but you all can make a difference in the world by making a difference in Aurora,” Tutu shared with the students.

PeaceJam’s next initiative is to provide a full, two-day conference for youth spring 2016.

“We are really hoping to bring in a Peace Prize Laureate this year and are always looking for additional partners to help support,” said Bruno.

Sponsors of the workshops and conferences are a combination of time, talent and funds from Simply Destinee, Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry, Mutual Ground, Culture Stock, Peace Players, Family Focus, Suicide Prevention Services, the Peace Corps, LULAC, Linda Chapa LaVia and other local community members.

“This year we are thrilled that Aurora University and Waubonsee Community College have become sponsors of our chapter,” said Bruno.

The United Nations declared Sept. 21 as International Peace Day and invites all nations and people to commemorate the day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

Interested in supporting PeaceJam in Aurora? Contact Sue-z Bruno at sue_zb@yahoo.com

• This article was written by Ellen Kamps of the Kane County Regional Office of Education. Sign up for the Kane County Regional Office of Education’s newsletter here.