Celebration of Peace, Unity, and Harmony at our Little School

October of every year is widely celebrated as the United Nations' Month. In the Philippines, schools are enjoined to observe the celebration of the United Nations as mandated by the Philippine Government together with the Department of Education.

For us in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, we are also one with everyone in this celebration and in schools, we educate each child of the purpose of the celebration. As a public school in the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Province of Maguindanao del Norte, we have prepared a humble celebration of the vision of the United Nations.

Better together for Peace and Unity is our call for this year's celebration of the event. Friday early morning, pupils wearing their beautiful and unique United Nations' costumes with pride together with their very supportive and excited parents, children flocked the school ground, eager to start the day right. Vibrant atmosphere resonated around the school campus as the clock tick, second by second and minute by minute.

Our very active Araling Panlipunan School Coordinator, the one behind the planning and execution of the program, prepared lots of prizes for the kids and the parents. Weeks prior to the event, parents have been tirelessly making and crafting their kid's costume as everybody is enjoined to win the title "Mr. and Ms. United Nations 2025".

To make the judging fair, honest, and reliable, we have invited colleagues from the neighboring public schools who are also reliable to give honest and fair judgment on the costumes. "It was a tough job to do because everybody did a very great job on their costumes and the kids were very great on their production number", said by the Chairman of the Board of Judges.

In every walk, smile, and swing of the kids, parents and teachers cheer them on loudly and proudly. As the school principal, I am so happy for the kids for having this kind of exposure. I can see that on these children, future beauty queens and kings will emerge. They have the confidence and the talent to thrive in their future careers in life - especially with the continued support of their parents and families.

The celebration of the United Nations' Month must not be centered on the crowning of the most beautiful and eye-catching United Nations' costume but it must be focused on the understanding of the rationale of the celebration - sustaining peace and harmony despite of the differences.

Our school belongs in the Tri-People community where the Muslims, Settlers, and the Highlanders live in harmony and unity. We may have different cultures, beliefs, religion, and traditions but we co-exist with kindness among one another and respect of our differences. As an institution of learning, we inculcate in the young minds of our children that everybody must be loved and respected as a human being regardless of their background, careers, and physique. We know that this vision will never be possible without the help of the parents who are the extensions of the school at home.

Thank you so much for reaching this part. I just wanted to share this day in my life because I wanted to share to the world the little things we do at school which may contribute a lot to our nation in the future.

Lastly, the pictures used are all mine and further enhanced by the use of Canva. Also, the thoughts you have read are also mine, there is no involvement of AI in the making.

Bye!