[HWPL] The hidden symbol of peace in Mongolia, a place we really want to visit someday
On May 9th, a special event took place in a quiet village on the vast Mongolian steppe. About 400 students, local residents, and education officials gathered at the 1st Middle School in Bulgan Sum of Khövsgöl Aimag to share an unforgettable moment at the unveiling ceremony of the Peace Monument.
That day was not simply an event to unveil a statue. It was a day when a village came together to say to the world, "We believe in peace. And we want to share that belief with the world."
This event was the result of HWPL and the school working hand in hand. It will resonate deeply not only with those who attended that day but also with everyone who will encounter this monument in the future. Now, the peace monument standing tall in a corner of the school is telling us that it is entirely possible to live together harmoniously and peacefully, even with different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking.
Principal Sodno Bayarsaikhan, who was at the centre of this Peace Monument project, spoke earnestly. "This monument is not just a sculpture, but a symbol for future generations. In a time when people from all over the world live and move freely, I hope that travellers from not only Mongolia but also the United States, Japan, and Korea will see this monument and feel, 'This is the land of peace.'"
On the day of the event, the students sang the song 'Peace Dove' to convey a message of hope and solidarity. It was a strong declaration that went beyond a simple performance, showing that the next generation is ready to inherit the spark of peace.
The impact of this event will not be limited to just one day. HWPL plans to continuously deliver peace education throughout the schools and communities in this region. Now that the Mongolian government has introduced 'citizen ethics education', a special opportunity has arisen for a culture of peace to grow not only through institutions but also from within the hearts of the people.
So the next time you hear the word ‘Mongolia’, please do not just think of the grasslands and horses, but also remember this small school. Bulgan Sum No. 1 Middle School, the children singing peace, the towering peace monument, and the quietly emerging changes in peace education.
And perhaps, a small step towards peace may begin in your life as you read this.
