Inspiring a peaceful South Sudan through Poetry
UNICEF Young Reporter’s voices on World Poetry Day, aiming to embrace peace in South Sudan
In celebration of World Poetry Day, UNICEF Young Reporters across South Sudan came together to share their poems, spreading messages of hope, unity, and peace. These inspiring young minds used the power of words to create an effect of positivity and awareness, reminding us of the importance of peace and compassion in today's world.
They are presenting their unique perspective and experiences through their heartfelt peace poems. Their thoughts and verses are painted in colorful images of what a peaceful South Sudan means to them, where differences are celebrated, where kindness triumphs over hate, and where love knows no boundaries.
Peace, we have been dreaming about you, because of your absence, we have lost many people, and we have dropped out of school; Peace, we need you.
Peace; we would have had freedom, good schools with qualified teachers, good medical centers with capable doctors, and good security.
Peace, we know you are the only solution; you come with development, equality, and security. With peace, we will break the chain of conflict and insecurity.
For the people, let's unite to have a peaceful country.
It feels like hell because peace does not reign; lives lost and dreams shattered. In this unjust place, this is no longer my home; If peace is not an option.
Gorgeous and contagious smiles vanish; because conflict makes them banished. Tears of the homeless constantly flow because of war; we become refugees and asylum seekers. Yet! We have a place to call home.
Survival becomes impossible; we are like puzzles waiting to be solved. Faces covered with sorrow, Since misery pierces like arrows;
It knows no end, but we ought to fight till the end! Only peace is what we long for!
Oh! Government, we strive for peace, not conflict;
Violence is a sign of conflict, tribalism is a sign of conflict, corruption is a sign of conflict.
Human rights abuse is a sign of conflict. NO! We are tired of you, conflict!
Oh! Young generation, the insecurity will come to pass; we must stop the gunshots to gain peace,
Gunshots, you keep us away from school, you are the cause of my insecurity.
Oh! Peace, we are tired of conflict. Freedom exists because of peace, love exists because of peace.
Cooperation exists because of peace, forgiveness exists because of peace. Wow! peace, what a wonderful thing.
I am a voice to the voiceless, an advocate for a peaceful South Sudan for a peaceful world;
Where all religions and ethnic groups are at peace; where every race is respected, where language is not a barrier,
Where refugees and internally displaced people are respected and treated equally; where children have free education and free health.
I want a peaceful environment, where truth rules and justice prevails. Where forgiveness is a normal norm, where everything happens in peace and not violence. Where people debate their grievances amicably.
I am a voice for the voiceless; I advocate for a peaceful South Sudan
These poems should remind us that, no matter our age or background, we all have the power to make a difference in the world, one verse at a time. On this World Poetry Day, let us celebrate the beauty of words, the strength of unity, and the hope for a better tomorrow, as echoed by the UNICEF young reporters.
