Huercal Overa marks ‘Day of Peace’

EVERY year since 1964, January 30 has been celebrated as a Day of Peace to commemorate the death of Mahatma Ghandi, one of the greatest icons of world peace.

Ghandi was assassinated in 1948, aged 78. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Mayor of Huercal Overa, Domingo Fernandez, joined schoolchildren in the town to celebrate the day of non-violence and peace with various activities, including the releasing of balloons, a manifesto reading, a march and a charity race.

Students and teachers from IES Cura Valera and IES Albujaira participated together in the charity race to benefit Unicef. IES Cura Valera also let loose white balloons as a symbol of peace and the rejection of violence.

Meanwhile, the students and teachers from IES Albujaira marched through the streets of the town, ending at the Plaza de La Constitucion, where a manifesto was read that made reference to the importance of values in education and peace in the classroom.

The mayor emphasised how important it was to celebrate the day. He said: “Our children are the protagonists and through them is transmitted defence of rights, health, education and the protection from violence for children all over the world, educating them on tolerance, solidarity, harmony and respect for human rights.”

In addition to the mayor, the children and their teachers, the townsfolk came out in support as well as a number of councillors from the town council, Alonso Mena, Antonio Lazaro, Manuel Buitrago and Maribel Sanchez.