In April, we launched a Stories contest “Voice yourself” and since then we received 8 stories that the jury has now evaluated.

First, we want to thank all the participants for their generosity in sharing their experiences and reflections on volunteering for peace with the SCI movement. Their personal experiences act as a strong motivation for us to continue working for peace. We believe that there is nothing more inspiring than the example of life itself. And we hope this articles inspires you too to contribute to the creation of a more fair and peaceful world.

At last, we are very happy announce that the winner of the first SCI Stories contest “Voice yourself” is the story Generations of inspirations through SCI volunteerism, written by Bernadine David Yatawara. Bernadine worked as a Development Practitioner in Community Development in Sri Lanka for over 40 years and she is volunteering with the Blue Rose Special Needs School and Training Centre. Her story is the story of her family and how SCI and the essence of volunteerism, through workcamps, have touched the lives of 3 generations in Sri Lanka.

In the year of our 100th anniversary, we consider that this inter-generational testimony represents the long-term impact of activism for peace.

John and Therese David, Bernadine David Yatawara parents. © Bernadine David Yatawara

We want to share the other stories that also stand out for reflecting the essence of the SCI movement:

• The Spirit of Volunteering Work – Good Deeds and Amazing People written by Pia Lex.

So, if you have some time, participate in a workcamp because the world needs help everywhere and you will never forget the time!

• The way to find myself written by Giuzel Gaffanova.

I can’t breath… I need something to change me and my environment. What should I do?

• Extract from a letter to my younger me written by Silvia Brun.

You will never be able to save the entire world, but you can make a difference to one single persons life. You have the opportunity to write your story the way you want to tell it in a few years time. And is there anything better then telling in your story that you enabled others to write theirs?

• The best way to find yourself is to get lost in the service of others written by Mitzi De Jesus Conejo Luna.

I never thought to cross half the world to find myself in a small village, but there I was, excited to fulfil a dream and scared to be far from home, tiny in the crowd.

• My Incredible Peace Journey written by Marc Ayle Duval.

In 1960, I was only fourteen when I responded to a call for volunteers launched by the eminent Edwin de Robillard who was busy setting up “Compagnons Batisseurs” in the aftermath of cyclones Alix and Carol that hit Mauritius causing chaos and desolation.

• Notes of the one whose life will not be the same written by Natalia Beketova.

For me, it’s the old in the new, the simplicity in all the complexity of our lives, it’s the individuality in collectivism. It’s the challenges that fall to your share and your strength to handle with dignity. My inner devils fought and this was the stage of accepting the situation.

• A changed individual with SCI written by Brelyantika Indra

Volunteering is that moment when you forget that you are volunteering in order to help change lives because it is changing yours.

Different visions, in different contexts, with different actors but with common goals and values. Volunteers visions are the brushstrokes that colour SCI and bring it to life. Thank you very much to all the participants!

We only hope that you enjoy these readings and that they encourage you to live your own peace adventures with us.

If you want read more, here you can order the 100th anniversary book ‘Words about Deeds’ where we have collected stories of SCI peace activism since 1920.

Written by Esther Hernández Díaz