Biographies of Students

Christina Marie Arsenault, 17

My name is Christina Marie Arsenault I’m seventeen years old, I was born on July 20th, 1987. I live in Porters Lake Nova Scotia; I graduated from Eastern Shore District High this year, and will be attending Mount Allison University next year. Outside of school my main interest is sports, Hockey in particular.

I’ve lived in this small community my entire life, and although I absolutely love it, the opportunity to visit another part of the world, and to experience a different way of life was one I knew I couldn’t pass up. I was excited to take part in something that was focused on such a positive influential purpose. We were not going in hopes to win something or just for a fun vacation, the mission was to go to Serbia to spread a message there and when we got home, to gain education and shatter ignorance. It was something that I had yet to be a part of and something that really intrigued me.

With the entire trip originating from film and video class, a class that I absolutely adored, the chance to document such an experience and to be able to share it with others was exhilarating. I was so excited to experiment with the cameras and to have our footage pieced together to make a final documentary.

Although I had no idea what the trip to Serbia would entail, I knew, and hoped that it would be an experience that would have a huge impact on my life, and would change my life, and perspectives-for the better. It was all of this that made me want, and need to go to Serbia.

Bradley Baker, 17
Birthday - January 2nd, 1988.

I am 17 years old and am a student at Eastern Shore District High. I live in Mosquodobit Harbour, that’s a little town about 45 minutes outside of Halifax. When I think about it, there is nowhere that I think I'd rather grow up. I am the type of person who loves to have fun, there is nothing better then a good joke every now and then to make things better. Although, I am someone with a vast sense of humor, I as well know when to be serious.

When I first heard about this trip, I knew it was something very serious but as well something I could have a lot of fun with so I became interested right away. I have always loved helping people, and I thought that going on this trip, I would be able to help someone. The trip has in many ways changed me, but as well it has really showed me that it is important to be yourself. I think that’s a little bit about myself, so there I am, Brad Baker.

Jessica Bates, 17
Birthday - February 15, 1988

I decided I wanted to go on this trip because I knew it was a once in a life time opportunity to see and experience a country that I knew very little about. I wanted to learn more about its history and the culture of those who live there and experience it first hand. I wanted to hear their thoughts on peace and war and how the war had effected and still affects them.

Alexander "Zander" Brosky 18

Ever since I was little I've been a curious person, wondering about the world around me. When I first heard of this trip I knew this was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities, the kind you seize with both hands. This trip would give me a chance to learn about another part of the world and a different culture, something I'm always anxious to do. The lead up to the trip was a lot of work, mostly fundraising, in the end the all the hours we put in were worth it and then some. This trip gave me many new friends both at home and abroad, it also gave me a dumptruckload of wonderful memories."

Chelsea Brown, 16

My name is Chelsea Brown. I’m 16 going on 17 in August. I live in Head Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia. I’m going in to what I hope will be my last year of high school at Eastern Shore District High School. I went on the Serbia trip to change any stereotypes that I may have had about the country after watching the film Teaching Peace in a time of war. I not only learned that it was a beautiful place but it was filled with beautiful, loving people. And I wouldn't think twice about going back! :)

Sarah Dubé
December 13th, 1987
Saint Patrick's High School, Halifax

Sarah Dubé has always had a keen interest in academics, enjoying life to the fullest and seizing life’s opportunities. Born an only child in December, a dreary but festive month, Sarah has always been creative keeping herself occupied and happy. When Sarah was five and enrolled in French Immersion at École Burton Ettinger Elementary School, she was delighted at the occasion to socialize in another language. With such a new and scary experience in those early years, not fully understanding what was happening, she and her classmates quickly learned to rely on each other whilst still retaining some autonomy.
Having had a passport all her life, Sarah is no stranger to travel. Having been to the United States many times to visit her family, visiting much of Canada, spending time in France, Ireland and most recently Serbia; Sarah is known to be quite the traveller.

Sarah’s interest in travelling to Serbia arose from a screening of the film: Teaching Peace in a Time of War, directed by Teresa MacInnes. Feeling drawn to its message, promoting peace and tolerance with today’s youth, there was no question Sarah wanted to get involved.

Over the course of her life so far, Sarah has had an array of significant experiences. Her latest experience to Serbia however has been, without a doubt, beyond compare. To say that Sarah’s life has been changed forever because of the Students for Teaching Peace is simply not expressive enough. Quoted saying: “My experiences throughout this journey are indescribable, not only the journey in Serbia proper but, the journey as a whole.” Sarah has yet to fully digest everything that has happened. Since her return home, Sarah has been unable to chronicle her adventures, quite a statement for such a sentimental youth. She finds herself struggling to find the words strong enough to describe such a monumental, draining, fulfilling, energizing, wonderful, experience.

Since being a member of the Students for Teaching Peace, Sarah has never felt so fulfilled. Arising with purpose every morning is a priceless gift. The friendships she has made because of this opportunity are ironclad and will be life-long. Having been a Beatles fan all of her life, Sarah feels that the song Blackbird, by Lennon/McCartney, describes her transformation with the most accuracy: “Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.”

David George Heatley, 18 years old
Birthday - August 29, 1986

I originally wanted to go on the Serbia trip, just to be exposed to a new challenge. It's not something that is well heard of these days; taking a class trip overseas, especially an area that has come to have an aura of extremity about it like Serbia. The months of fundraising and committing most of your free time to something that you truly care about, was a refreshing change of
pace. I first developed an interest in the trip when I realized what a wonderful endeavor it could be. I've been trying for the past while in my life to improve the world around me, in the ways that I see are helpful to everyone, maybe not directly but influentially as well. When I saw this opportunity to actually commit myself to a cause that was attainable, and would produce
positive affects in one of the places that needs it the most. There was no hesitation; to have the opportunity to affect people in such a positive manner was an opportunity I could not pass up.

I live in Head of Jeddore, Nova Scotia, Canada. I've grown up here for most of my life, and have learned to love every bit of it. Living in a rural area is something that you do have to live in to comprehend and appreciate. To be able to step back and actually see the community brewing, and understanding how (not so much) the politics work, but how the community works together to benefit everyone (especially the youth) is an amazing feeling.

The trip to Serbia, I would have to say has to probably one of the greatest accomplishments I can say I've done in my life thus far. I feel like I'm giving myself too much credit by claiming it as a personal accomplishment, as there are more people in the group whom I'm sure did much more work than I. (Our teacher Mrs.Bayer-Smith, Kent Nason, Teresa MacInnes, Hetty Van Gurp just to name a few).

There was an amazing feeling that I have discussed many times with some of the students on the trip. It's that everyday we were there, we'd get up in the morning completely mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted, yet we would still have so much energy. For the first time in many of our lives we woke up each day with a sense of 'What we are doing is benefiting everyone around us, we ARE making change each minute of this day'. We had a sense of purpose; it gave us our drive to keep going. I think aside from the serene feeling of happiness of being there, the sadness of leaving, the satisfaction of the things we had done, it's the feeling of purpose; that whimsical 'I AM important' feeling we got each morning that I'll miss the most.

The Serbia trip was a once in a lifetime unforgettable trip. It is odd how it is those things in life that we cherish the most. Yet when I try to think back, and remember what happened, it's impossible. We were living in the moment every second of everyday. We did not have time to review at the end of each day and think of how memorable things were. Looking back, the trip just seems like a euphoric dream, something that we had done that was so spectacular, so incredible, to try remembering and becoming nostalgic about it is impossible. The trip was the best thing I've ever decided to do, if anyone else ever gets the
opportunity to do something of this magnitude, never hesitate. There are some opportunities in life that cannot be passed up. This was definitely one of them.

Abilee Kellett, 15

I first got into the Serbia Peace Trip through Caitlin Reid, Teresa's niece. My family has always travelled around and lived in different countries including the USA and New Zealand, so when I heard about this opportunity to travel to yet another distant place, I didn't hesitate for a moment. I had no idea what to expect from Serbia, because before I knew about the trip, I had never even heard of it; let alone heard about the wars.

The main thing I learned through this experience is that all over the world, everybody is the same. Of course there are different languages and cultures but people's good will and kind nature always show up stronger. There will always be assumptions and false stories about different places and people but this trip showed me that to gain a non-bias opinion about something you have to either experience it or witness it first hand.

Rachelle Lambert, 19
Birthday – September 9, 1985

I live in a rural area called Ship Harbour, a very quite place, which sometimes feels confining. I have a lot of hobbies such as doing silly things like making balloon animals and juggling. I also love to play guitar a lot. I didn’t always live in Ship Harbour. I lived in a lot of different homes but was adopted by my aunt and uncle who I now call mom and dad and I have some wonderful family.

The reason I wanted to go on this trip initially was because I thought it would be a lot more to do with filmmaking. I soon realized it was going to be a lot more than that. And my interest was greatly sparked and soon I could not help but be interested in all this teaching peace stuff ?!

Christine Marie Lancaster, 17
Birthday - September 10, 1987

I am pretty much just your average rural schoolgirl. I grew up on the Eastern Shore, and haven't lived anywhere else. I hadn't seen much but the view from my bedroom window. I've always been involved with our school division of youth against racism and discrimination, as well as the gay straight alliance. When I heard about some trip to Serbia I saw it as the chance of a lifetime. When I saw Teaching Peace in a Time of wWar, and realized why we were going, it made the trip the chance of a lifetime that I couldn't pass up. I've never known what life is like other outside our "perfect society" except what I see on TV. Like many other teenagers my age, what was going on in the rest of the world never hit me for what it really was. I went to Serbia to get rid of at least some of the ignorance I hold about what the world really is. I wanted the chance to learn, and the chance to teach. I feel the trip was everything I was expecting, everything I wanted, and more. I learned more than I ever would have thought possible, and have grown more than I knew. This trip has meant the world to me and I feel so lucky I was given the chance to go, and now the chance to share my experiences with anyone who will listen. I couldn't say thank you enough.

Emma Leslie, 18

My name is Emma Leslie, I'm 18 years old and I just graduated from St. Pat's High School. When I first learned about the trip, I was extremely interested in learning first hand about a new culture, especially because Serbia was a place that I knew very little about. Next we watched 'Teaching Peace in a Time of War' after school, and it really helped me understand what ideas we could promote in Serbia, and why we would be able to do so.

The fundraising and planning was time-consuming in an already busy year, but I was quite positive it would all be worth it. Having gone and returned from the trip, that statement holds absolutely true. It was a time I will never forget, and also a time of growing and learning. (About video cameras, a different culture, others, myself and a whole lot more.)

Everyone who put time and efforts into this trip played a role in getting us there, and giving us the experience we were fortunate enough to have. Whether they were from this continent or another, it is all appreciated more than words can say. Thanks!

Erin Maher, 17

My name is Erin Maher. I'm 17 years old and I just graduated from high school. The reason that I wanted to go on this trip was to experience a new culture. This opportunity never comes up regularly so I thought I better grab it while the offer was still good. I got to meet so many new friends and I learned so much about their culture, this trip had such an impact on my life. If I got the chance I would go back in a second. I don't regret a second of it.

Katy (with a y) McDougall, 18
Birthday February 17,

Katy with a y, 18, was born on a snowy February 17 because her grandmother was going to Portugal on the 21, and those were the available appointments for a c-section. This makes her a dreamy, independent and intelligent Aquarius, but she doesn't believe in that sort of thing and however strikes it up a very nice coincidence. For Katy, The Students for Teaching Peace initiative began as the opportunity to experience another culture and became something much more. She enjoys reading, writing, adventuring and ten-pin bowling.

Brea Lynn McLellan, 17
Birthdate: April 27th, 1988

Why I wanted to go on this trip: As someone who’s never left Canada, and who’s always wanted to travel, I thought this would be an incredible journey for me and others. It was not just the travel, but the goal set we had set that inspired me to do what it took to go; to help bring and teach peace, in some form, to the schools of Serbia. I knew this would be a great experience for my photography and my great love for travel and I wanted to experience a culture that’s so different from our own.

Brief info: I love photography. I live for concerts/shows/gigs and spending time with friends. My taste in music is so incredibly vast I could never describe it, though; I was raised on Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. I tend to read 5 to 7 books at a time (I finish them eventually I swear!) and have a passion for mythology, art (watercolor), ancient history, politics and Russian literature/history. I lived in military housing until I was seven and then I moved to The Shore (Eastern Shore; Jeddore to be more specific), where I grew up, and am proud to say that I am and always will be; a Shore Kid.

I have one written post-Serbia journal entry that I only have on a broken computer with no Internet and no working printer. I will try and get a floppy disk and if not Katy also has a hardcopy. I wrote it specifically to share, as it was something that happened to me in Serbia that I didn’t talk about.

I uploaded some photos to a photo bucket account, the ones that are framed are of smaller size. There are two pages and they are all in B&W *except one* (hope that’s not a problem) I have more that aren’t uploaded but the ones that are can be found at this URL: http://photobucket.com/albums/b376/brealynnphotography/ the password is 'asdfghjkl'

Thanks ?

Jackie Merritt, 17

Hello, my name is Jackie Merritt. I attend Eastern Shore District High School. I am 17 years old and I went to Serbia when I was in Grade 11. Some of my interests include riding horses, hanging out with friends and looking into a future career in medicine. I got involved with this amazing trip through a friend of mine who was taking the Film and Video class at my school. It became of interest to me because they were working on promoting peace around the world in different countries. During my time in Serbia I
was able to meet new people and see a different culture although there were many differences it was nice to see similarities as well. I feel our goal of promoting peace was accomplished but there is always work to be done. I hope to stay involved in the peace process my whole life.

Brent Randall, 17
November 2, 1987

I wanted to go on the trip because I love to travel and it's been my goal to see as much of the world as possible in my lifetime. I knew that it was an opportunity that I would never have again, so I jumped at the chance.

I currently live in East Chezzetcook, having just graduated from Eastern Shore District High in June. I will be attending Dalhousie University this coming school year, enrolling in the Arts program. After completion I hope to move into law school and one day become a lawyer.

My hobbies include hockey, computers, music, movies, and traveling. One day I hope to have been on every continent of the world at least once.

Kelly-Lynn Russell, 18
Birthdate: Nov 14/86

Why I wanted to go: How could I not? It was the amazing experience of a lifetime that I couldn’t let get away from me. I am passionate about teaching, and Peace education in particular. To have the chance to discover a new place, with different perspectives is incredible.

About Me: I live in a very small community an hour outside of Halifax. We have no bus system, or traffic, so things are pretty limited and calm. I enjoy school very much, so much that I am attending Mount Saint Vincent University this September, to begin my Bachelor of Arts with a Major of History. From there, I will pursue a career in the Education field.

Elise Sinclair, 18
Halifax

When I first heard about this trip, I had no idea what to expect, but the words "international" and "peace conference" in a country I knew little about made me excited from the get-go. Peace and understanding other cultures are important values to me, and what better way to learn these things than through travel?

Through this trip I gained knowledge about another culture and its history, of which I knew little before. I realized how lucky we are to live in a country that has little violence, and to never take what you have for granted. This has been an experience of a lifetime.

Adrianne Jantje Siteman, 18

I am 18, was born in Halifax, my full name is Adrianne Jantje Siteman, I wanted to go on this trip to Serbia because it was a once in a life time opportunity, and I thought it would be neat to go to another part of the world, and meet kids from another country.

I live in Porters Lake on the Myra road, in a small subdivision on Karen Scott Drive. I live with my dad David and my mom Glenda, my two brothers Nicholas and Thomas, and my sister Lauren, and my two cats Sportster and Rainbow. I have a part time job at The Vines Restaurant as a bus girl, I love to play sports such as hockey and soccer, I graduated for Eastern Shore District High and now going to attend Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.

This trip to Serbia opened my eyes to what is going on in another parts of the world and made me appreciate what I have and to not take advantage of it. I met new friends that I hope I will keep in touch with for a long time. It also made me want to travel the world and try to make a difference. It was an AMAZING trip I will never forget.

Matty Trask, 18

The name is Matty Trask and I was raised on East Petpeswick Road in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia Canada. I was raised to be nice to people and not to take anything for granted. My father is a fisherman and if he had a choice I would be one too. I fish lobster part time during season but I choose not to in the future as my job. As I may be young I have worked my share of jobs and have been put on many missions to finish that job, but the best and most difficult mission I have had was the Peace Mission to Serbia and Montenegro.

I left home on that March 9th not only to Serbia but also to my beloved Nanny's wake as she had passed away around 5:30 that morning. I almost did not get on the airplane but I knew my Nanny was excited for my trip and my family was counting on me to go, as they did not want me to feel obligated to stay back in Canada. This was the first challenge of many on my Mission to Serbia and Montenegro. I had never flown before and the airplane was just as much a challenge as any. I overcame that (but I suppose I had no choice when your 1000 miles over the Atlantic Ocean) and I/we arrived in Belgrade City. I had never left the country nor did I even sleep in a hotel prior to the trip and that was a challenge as well, for I didn't know stuff such as what the button less phone was for in the room and that a stranger had access to my room and was kind enough to change my bed sheets and re-fill my tiny soap in the bathroom. Of course there was the generic challenges such as the language, the food and the distance away from home but one of the challenges that will stick with me the most in a comedic scene is the bitter sweet fact that there was 1000's of beautiful women but they wouldn't understand if I said hello to them!

When we arrived in the town of Pancevo and entered the school it was extremely overwhelming and without a question unforgettable. The fact that they wanted to meet us and get our autographs seemed very stranger to me but it made me realize why we were actually in that country. Living with absolute strangers was a challenge, as I never stayed over at that many houses before beside a few friends and family. The language barrier in the house was very challenging but the family and me I stayed with got along good enough and really bonded. Leaving Pancevo was very a very difficult challenge as I remember not wanting to get on the bus to leave but being basically forced to by teachers and such. The conference was a very good experience as I met many more children and had lots of fun. I did not find that I had as many challenges at the Youth-to-Youth Conference, I think this is because I became comfortable with the customs and lifestyle of Serbia and Montenegro and the reason as to why we made the Peace Mission and why the trip will be with everybody who went on it forever and will always bring a smile to their faces whenever they think of the trip or talk about travelling anywhere in this world, even if it is down the street.

In closing the Peace Mission to Serbia came with dozens of challenges, far too many to describe but I and everybody on the trip overcame them and had an unforgettable experience that will never leave our hearts. Mission Accomplished.

Nicole Veinotte (18)

The past three years of my life have been dedicated to moving forward into monumental experiences and drastic changes, first I lived in Australia for six months as an exchange student, then I encountered AHL, then I went to
Serbia.

Australia changed my life by way of opening me up and allowing my eyes to see the world for the very first time, the time I spent on exchange was the first time I saw a true change in myself. I went from a girl who was happy hanging out back stage to a girl who demanded spotlight.I returned from Oz a completely different personal, and there weren't many who knew me who didn't notice that.

My AHL class opened my eyes to more issues I knew existed; it allowed me to take the world I had witnessed and see it for what it really was both the beautiful and corrupt. The classes of AHL opened my mind as much if not more than my entire Australian experience did.

Going to Serbia was one of the best things I have ever done. I spent 3 months getting to know an amazing group of people while we fundraised copious amounts of money and prepared for the trip and then I spent 12 amazing days getting to know those people even more, having the opportunity to meet and get to know tons more people and falling in love with a truly
breath-taking country. I was also smacked in the face with an education no class room ever could have given me.

Now I am preparing for university and all the marvelous things post-secondary education will bring me. Living on my own, finally being surrounded by people who are learning because they want to learn, not because they are forced to and what ever else this faze of like brings me.

And along with that I am now dreaming of Northern Ireland, where I hope against hope Students for Teaching Peace will lead me next year.

All my future dreams hold nothing but educating myself and travel, and thanks to SFTP, I get to do it with some amazing people, and experience things I never would have been able to do without. SFTP changed my life and I know it will do the same for other students, for years to come.

Kathleen Grant
December 26, 1987
Saint Patricks High School

Ambitious. I have always had dreams, and as long as I've had dreams I've had goals. I know that if I really want to accomplish my goals I must work hard in the present to get where I want to be in the future. Focused. I will reach for the stars and strive to pull that one star closer by any means necessary if that's what it takes to get what's important to me in my life. Serbia was one of my main focuses this year, it was my star, and i wanted to grasp it, take a chance at an experience that does not often come ones way and hold on to it forever.

I was born in Halifax and continue to live here at the age of 17 going into grade 12 at Saint Patricks High School. I love life and all that it has to offer. I try to remember the saying "carpe diem-sieze the day" so that I can live life to the fullest, and if you ask any one who knows me the motto you often hear me say is "everything happens for a reason." I don't think anything is quite coincidence, but really all part of a road mapped out for each of us. I am looking forward to my last year in High School where I will be the incoming female co-president for Saint Patricks High School and with the right determination and effort I hope that I can make many positive changes for the schools student body.

I cherish my city and neighbourhood where everything is so familiar and memorable to me. Though I find familiarity comforting, I find great comfort in my relationship with God whom I find familiarity in my life with no matter where any experience takes me. I am also very good at adapting to new situations and working things out for the best, looking for the positive. Family and friends are extremely important in my life and have a prominent place in my heart, though one of my favourite things to do is meet new people and create new relationships. I have wonderful security and confidence in my relationships with family and friends but I am always open to the excitement of unpredicable times with new and unknown places and people.

I have always had a curious interest in travel and the need to seek the adventures that only travel can truly give you. I had to jump at the chance to go on a peace mission with Hetty Van Gurp to Serbia after seeing (and being inspired by) Teresa McInnes's film "Teaching Peace" with my Film and Video class. Not only was this the opprotuntity to travel to a completely different place then what I've known my whole life, but the chance to get to know a new culture, new people, and go to a country by the means of spreading peace, love and happiness- and to possibly help make a difference in one's life and definitley our own lives.

I hope to always remain connected to Peaceful Schools International, and I know I will never forget the amazing adventure I had in Serbia, and the connections that I have made there. One thing I will not forget that Hetty Van Gurp said in "Teaching Peace" was that we need not to focus on the problem but the way in which we can solve the problem. It is important to realize the conflict but to focus on a solution.

-Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.-

---

Biographies of SFTP Chaparones

Greg Albers, 36
Birthday: August 9th, 1968

I was born in California and raised there and in Minnesota. I earned my degree in Education and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, GO BADGERS! In the fall of 1996 I went to Toronto to visit a girl for two weeks. I never left. My wife Lanna and I moved to Halifax in 2001 where I went back to teaching after 5 years of consulting in business in Toronto. We welcomed our daughter Ella in 2003.

I teach because I need to. Teaching gives me the opportunity to learn everyday. I get to watch young people open their eyes to the world out there. In return I get the energy and passion that is ever present in young hearts. I have a firm belief that the classroom is an alright place to bring out information and trade ideas, but that getting outside of the four walls is what really makes things happen. This opportunity to bring young people to Serbia was an ideal vehicle for learning and for forging relationships. Personally, I was able to work with some of the best people I have ever come to know. This trip has left me revitalized and has provided me with more clarity as to how I can be an effective teacher and a better citizen of the world. It has also provided for me hope for the future.

Pat Barrington, 55
Birthday – February 25, 1949

I was born in Sydney Cape Breton, February 25th 1949. I lived there until I was 27, 1976. I had my first child Nadine in 1979 at 30 years of age, Tamara 1982 and Blair, 1986. I taught in Sydney for approximately 4 years. After moving to Porters Lake I taught at Eastern Shore for one year at the Junior/Senior High School, one year of split shift and one more year at grade 9-12. Then I moved to Gaitzbrook Junior High in 1979 and stayed there until 1997. Lastly I moved back to the high school and presently am still there.

When I first heard about Jana’s trip to Serbia I was interested, but did not think that I could go but then about 3 weeks before the trip I found out that I was able to go. I was both nervous and excited as I didn’t know a lot about the country, except that there had been a war and was still in some form of unrest. Upon further investigation, I realized it was quite safe and really interesting to visit. I liked the idea of this trip being a part of “Peaceful Schools International” and that our students would be involved in a documentary, and learning first hand about the culture of the people by billeting. This would be a fantastic experience as I had participated in a similar trip to Cuba where we lived with the students in their campus. I always love the opportunity to meet people from other cultures and live their lifestyle, not in a resort.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Serbian people and countryside and it gave me a different perspective on what we have and how countries have so many difficulties. However, in both Cuba and Serbia it was evident that in spit of their living conditions they are a happy people with family being of utmost importance.

Jana Bayer-Smith, 32
Birthday - January 19, 1973
Married, Mother of one and soon to be two

I have been a teacher for 5 years at Eastern Shore District High School and am very happy to be working in the same school that I attended as a teen. After traveling and exploring this world a bit I am happy to have set my roots firmly in Musquodoboit Harbour and am glad to provide opportunities to the school that weren't available when I attended. I look forward to working with youth more, especially on peace education projects.

The trip to Serbia was an experience I feel was important to the students and necessary. Our world is small and sheltered and by being able to accomplish this trip I think that the students were able to open their eyes and their hearts to issues bigger than they had ever imagined. I also feel it helped all of us to recognize how very lucky we are to live in a peaceful and safe community.

The best thing about Serbia for me wasn't the actual trip, rather it was the wonderful connections I made with all of my students. I could not know a better group of students and I can honestly say that I learned to respect and appreciate them in many ways. We don't give tattooed and pierced teenagers enough credit; they know a lot, they are honest, loving and good people. I couldn't have asked for a better group of students to travel with.

Finally, The trip was motivational because I saw so many people working together to accomplish this goal. Teresa and Kent far too much of their own time to this project, and were influential in helping students learn new skills and new responsibilities. Hetty, who is an inspiration to us all was a grounding force through out the trip and she was always willing to help. Families, friends and community members in Canada and Serbia pulled together to make this trip a reality; proving that it takes a village to raise a child.

Lil Dubé
Birthday - February 17, 1953

I grew up in New Brunswick on a potato farm. After high school, I attended Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto where I studied Fashion Design and Merchandising. After working in the 'stitch trade' for three years, I returned to University of Waterloo to study Optometry. I am presently a retired Optometrist after a twenty three year career as a private practitioner.

I am also a single mom to Sarah Dube. It is through Sarah that I became involved with Students For Teaching Peace.
Sarah and I have travelled more than most people. We have visited several parts of Canada and the United States, as well as France and Ireland. Keeping in mind the challenges that we encountered during our travels, I expected that the trip to Serbia would be difficult because of Sarah's motorized wheelchair, and the lack of accessibility in Eastern Europe.

Meeting the group of people who had signed up for this trip gave me hope that the experience in Serbia could be a good one. Despite the difficulties we encountered the trip was one of the happiest, and most adventurous times of our lives. The friendships I have cultivated, both Canadian and Serbian, have enriched my life. I look forward to future meetings with our Serbian friends coming this summer, just as I look forward to our meetings with the Canadians in preparation for this summer visit.

It is not by accident that this group has been formed. Those involved with Peaceful Schools International tend to be the 'Connectors' in life- the ones who cultivate social ties, and subtly affect change in attitude over time. These Students For Teaching Peace are the future leaders who will influence by example: be it through the pen, politics, business, or simply by forging lifelong friendships with people in foreign countries not as peaceful as Canada.

In retrospect, I am very glad to have been a part of the group visiting Serbia.

Teresa MacInnes, 41
Birthday - January 26, 1964

This trip was a life changing experience for me. It has taught me so much about the effects of media and about documentary filmmaking – about perception and point of view. This project has also brought me back to the initial reason that I began to make documentaries, to empower and give voice to those with a story to tell. This time I see the value and need to include the participant’s video footage and point of view material in the stories I tell.

I have had the privilege of traveling with a group of young people, their teachers and even some parents who have truly given me hope for the future. Their dedication to working towards peace and social justice is admirable and exciting. I also had the enjoyment of traveling back to Serbia with Hetty van Gurp whose generosity of spirit and compassion is an inspiration to us all. One of the greatest gifts was the involvement of my husband, sister and niece in this project.

I am proud that Teaching Peace in a Time of War played a role in inspiring the trip and hounored to have produced Hope for the Future with Students for Teaching Peace and the adults who supported and accompanied them to Serbia. Kent and I are now busy cutting together the feature documentary also called Hope for the Future, which will allow me to dive deeper into many issues as seen through not only our eyes but the students eyes.

I came to the film and television industry from a background in social work and psychology. While completing my Bachelor of Arts degree at Simon Fraser University in 1988, I became involved in filmmaking. My first documentary was produced in 1988 and since then I have made about a dozen shows, most of which for television. I am originally from Vancouver but now live in St. Margaret’s Bay Nova Scotia with my husband Kent Nason and our cat Silver.

Kent Nason, 56
April 14th, 1949

Born and raised in New Brunswick I began my film career with Crawley Films Ltd. in 1969. I later joined the National Film Board of Canada as a cinematographer and participated in the formation of the NFB Atlantic Studio. I have photographed well over one hundred documentaries in many parts of the world, as well as having edited films, been a producer and director at the NFB. For the last seven years I have freelanced as a Director of Photography. Many of the productions that I have had the pleasure of contributing to have been shown internationally and been nominated for or have won major awards.

The opportunity to be associated with "The Students for Teaching Peace" has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Watching these young men and women affect positive action as individuals and more importantly as a group has been very rewarding. Each one of these students has taught me something and I thank them for that. Thinking back, most of
us can remember that teacher who made a difference in our lives, those teachers and students who made this trip to Serbia are truly gifted. These are the true treasures of our society.

Cindy MacInnes Reid

I have always been interested in people’s stories. Every person I have ever met has always had something important to tell me, an interesting tidbit, a joke, a tale of wow, a story of triumph. And I have pieced my self of all of these. I carry a bit of every place I have been, every person I have met and I am always curious for another adventure, another person, another story.

I was born in the East End of Vancouver in the beginning of the 60’s and have lived in British Columbia all of my life. I have traveled across Canada and throughout the United States. My first trip to Europe a London Educational Theatre tour was when I was 15. On my honeymoon I cycled England, Scotland, Wales and France for two months on my summer holidays. I am a teacher. I have been studying at Simon Fraser University since I graduated from highschool, earning a B.Ed, M.Ed., and a graduate diploma in Special Education. I have taught many subjects for over 20 years, including English, Drama, Math, First Nations Studies and now I teach in a Life Skills program for mentally, intellectually and behaviourally challenged students at Elphinstone Secondary School. I am a divorced, single mother of two teenage children. Last summer I brought them to the Way to Peace Camp in Clemsensport, Nova Scotia, where we met Raijka and many students from Serbia. Caitlin made plans to go with her Auntie Teresa to go to Belgrade the following spring, and when Students For Teaching Peace sprang up, and they were bound for Serbia, I decided to join them, too. I was so glad Caitlin’s friend Abilee and her mom Sarah came along, because I got to know two really cool people from my community and I look forward to further adventures with them.

I felt very honoured to be sponsored by my community to go to Serbia and bring back stories to share with my teachers, students and community members. The main message I bring is that we are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, rich with opportunities. The people of Serbia are so hospitable, so kind and giving, the teachers and students work so hard. I cannot fathom the hardships that they have had to encounter, and they live with the reminders of bombed buildings, pollution, poverty everyday. Many told me of their pain, their heroic struggles, the deportation from their homes, losing family members, losing everything, the rebuilding of their families, the rebuilding of their lives. I hope one day that we will be able to reciprocate their kindness and welcome them to British Columbia. I am excited that Ellie, the teacher from Montreal is coming to visit us, and so is Teresa from Nova Scotia. I learned so much from Hetty and the other teachers on the trip. I really enjoyed getting to know the students from across Canada. Let us keep working together. Let us keep sharing our stories, keeping our adventures and voices strong.

Carolyn van Gurp, Teacher - Ecole Oxford School

My reasons for going to Serbia were varied. First of all, as a peace activist with an interest in Canadian foreign and defense policy, I wanted to learn what Serbians thought about Canada's role in the 1999 bombing of Serbia and wanted to develop contacts with people in Serbia who have similar interests. Secondly, as teacher, I was interested in seeing how students in Canada and Serbia could work together to develop an awareness of their roles as responsible global citizens. Thirdly, as a sister and aunt to others on the trip, I looked forward to sharing this experience with family members. My experiences on the trip wildly surpassed my expectations and I've come home with many questions, insights, contacts, and new learnings. I look forward to continuing with this work.

I have taught at numerous schools on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia over thepast 10 years and currently teach at Ecole Oxford School in Halifax. When not involved in school work, I volunteer with the Halifax Peace Coalition.

Hetty van Gurp

After nearly 30 years as an educator and promoter of peaceful schools, in 2005 when I had an opportunity to travel to Serbia with 32 inspiring members of Students for Teaching Peace, I felt that I had arrived at the pinnacle of my career.

Empowering young people to learn about and teach peace is the greatest gift we can offer them. These students exemplify all that is good in our youth and being associated with them fills me with joy, hope and pride.

I plan to continue learning with and from these amazing young people for as long as possible. The experience I shared with them in Serbia was life altering for them - but also for me.

John van Gurp

John van Gurp is the brother of fellow travellers Hetty, Carolyn and Gerald and father of Kate and is engaged in many of the activities of Peaceful Schools International. He believes strongly in supporting and encouraging youth and thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of place and culture on the Serbia trip.

Blog http://vangurpj.blogspot.com/

Ellie Wilkinson

I am a teacher and counsellor at Symmes Junior High School (Western Quebec School Board). I had been working with students to establish safe, caring school environments for over 20 years. When I heard of Hetty's International work, watched the film "Teaching Peace in a Time of War" and learned of the Youth to Youth Conference in Serbia, I knew I had to be involved.

It was an unbelievable experience! I shall never forget the heartfelt welcome that awaited us when we pulled up to our first school in Pancevo. This was repeated again and again as we travelled around the country. Watching how easily the Serbian and Canadian youth worked together to find peaceful solutions, gave me renewed hope for the future of our world. It reinforced the wisdom in the words of Ghandi "If we are to reach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with children."

Gerald van Gurp, MD

A singer, peace activist and general practitioner in Montreal, I've always had a love of travel and discovering new cultures that has led me down numerous less-travelled paths the world over. The trip to Serbia was a chance to see more of the Balkans, a corner of Europe that I'd gotten a glimpse of during a hiking trip to Slovenia a year earlier. It also presented an opportunity to have an adventure with my brother, 2 sisters and a niece as well as a whole gang of others many of whom I'd met and whose company I'd come to enjoy.

Inspired by my sister Carolyn the trip also created an occasion to try to find out more about the conflict in the region and especially Canada's role in the 1st of 3 illegal wars.

Travelling with the high school students, seeing the sites, being overwhelmed with Balkan hopitality, I experienced the same bewonderment and perplexiity about some of the issues that they did. One particular talk session in the Hotel Balkan dining room during which some of the Serbian students described their memories of the bonbing stands out.

On returning I organized a get- together of my neighbourhood peace group, Mile End Neighbours for Peace. Using my brother John's photos and modifying a power point presentation that Carolyn had put together we tried to focus on understanding Canada's role in an illegal bombing and invasion that was justified at the time on humanitarian grounds.
Below is a link to some notes that I made and sent around to colleagues in the peace movement. One of the recipients was John Sloboda a British academic and founder of the site Iraq Body Count who decided to post it on their web-site. Knowing more than I do now about the civil war in Bosnia I'd modify a few things but essentially most of the info and analysis still holds. Sloboda's introduction speaks volumes.

Many thanks to the organizors of the trip and my fellow travellers.

http://peaceuk.co.uk.mdl-net.co.uk/archive/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1410

Sarah Doherty
Age 45, DOB: December 21, 1959

I am an identical twin born to a large Irish American family, just south of Boston. I am permanently disabled, having lost my right leg at the age of 13, when a car driven by a drunk driver collided with my bicycle. I now travel this planet on one leg and crutches, however "disabled" is not how I would describe myself. I am a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and have raised three children, most recently as a single mom. I have designed (and continue to design) specialized crutches, using them to summit Mount McKinley in 1985 and walk 700 Km on the Santiago de Compostela Camino in Northern Spain in 2004.

I became involved with Peaceful Schools International through my daughter, Abi, who became involved through her friend, Caitlin Reid, niece of film maker, Teresa MacInnes.

Most of my best adventures are not carefully planned. They sort of fall in my lap and I commit without hesitation. This adventure was no exception, and I knew my daughter would be the teacher to a large extent. After two weeks in Serbia, with an incredible group of individuals, I learned that real peace needs a grass roots approach, with the support of the top down (government) system. PSI had this approach. I witnessed the germination of the seeds planted by Hetty VanGurp's hard work in school curriculum reformation.

I was one of two (Sarah D. was the other) in our group who are permanently 'disabled'. Sarah and I became 'ambassadors of the disabled' to Serbia from Canada, a task I did not expecting to take on.

I continue to learn the important contributions youth and children can make in shaping our hope for the future, by being open to change, and showing adults new ways to look at old situations.