PEACE poles made in Japan are to be planted in school grounds across Edinburgh by pupils inspired by the Dalai Lama’s visit to the Capital.
The poles have the short prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages on four sides.
Many schools are dedicating space inside their building for a free-standing pole, with others planting them in the grounds.
City education leader Councillor Ewan Aitken said this week’s visit by the Dalai Lama had inspired many youngsters.
“Edinburgh young and old are excited by the Dalai Lama’s visit to Edinburgh, which is a huge honour for the city,” he said.
“Our schools are sending out a powerful message of hope by choosing to buy these permanent symbols of peace. I am sure they will help school communities during times of reflection.”
The Royal High, St Cuthbert’s Primary School, Davidson’s Mains Primary, and Forthview and Craigroyston primary schools are just some of the schools which are putting up peace poles.
Stenhouse Primary, which has strong links with Malawi, is also taking part and have chosen the Malawian national language of Chichewa as one of the four languages on their Peace pole. Caroline Uchima, of the World Peace Prayer Society, said she was delighted so many schools were promoting peace.
“It is wonderful the schools in Edinburgh are positively taking the lead in promoting this peace message,” she said.
The Dalai Lama is visiting Edinburgh on Wednesday and Thursday.
