Spreading Awareness and Peace – 2024 C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest
On March 13, 2024, four University of Waterloo students participated in the 50th anniversary of the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. Established in 1974, the contest provides a platform for Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) students and Conrad Grebel University College residents or associates to engage in discussions of peacebuilding and issues of social justice in today’s world. After four powerful speeches for an audience of judges, staff, and friends, Grebel resident Kalkidan Ararso was awarded first place and a cash prize of $1000. Fiona Lüling, an exchange student from Germany taking PACS courses, was awarded second place with a cash prize of $500. Caitlyn Walsh, a third-year PACS student, and Nathan Yap, a second year Grebel resident, tied for third place with a cash prize of $300.
Kalkidan’s speech, “Echoes of Nahum: A Miner’s Lament,” explored the harrowing humanitarian crisis occurring in the Congo. Using immersive language and a gripping narrative, Kalkidan’s speech was told from the perspective of an unnamed Congolese man who wished to “ignite a flame bright enough to be seen amidst the shadows that consumed my people.” Based off true events of a man who self-immolated himself to raise global awareness, Kalkidan’s speech depicts of the dire situation of Congolese men, women, and children. Kalkidan proposed many difficult questions that explored topics like mercy in Catholicism, the paradoxical reality of wealth in the Congo, and the role the Western World plays in their daily usage of Congolese cobalt. Her speech climaxed with the Congolese man setting himself on fire and becoming “the living embodiment of Nahum’s fiery wrath.” Her concluding words, “let justice roll on like a river into the land of the Congo and peace like a never-failing stream,” left a desperate cry for help and a call for social action. Kalkidan urged others to spread awareness of the Congo cobalt crisis and donate money, when possible.
Fiona’s speech, “On Being Human,” was told from personal experience. She discussed her difficulties of feeling proud of her German identity, one that was “responsible for the cruelest of cruelties in the 20th century.” She explored how this perception has created significant cultural and economic problems in Germany, leading to her own hesitancies of revealing her German heritage as an exchange student in Canda. However, Fiona alluded to the idea that people from across the world can come together as human beings and used the act of “being human” as a common link that could unify all nations. She encouraged proper understanding and contextualization of origin and activism as avenues for people to reclaim their identity and understand the human condition. "To be human means to start reflecting about our origin,” she said, “to think about what holds us back from working for our freedom and deconstructing our technological life to find out what kind of truth it reveals. Origin and activism can bring contentment on our communal and individual journeys to reorientate the direction of our future.”
The role of social media in society's perception of humanitarian crises was Caitlyn’s topic of discussion in her speech, “When Compassion Fatigue Hinders Christian Peacemaking and Generosity.” Compassion fatigue, described by Caityln as “a biological issue of how one’s brain responds to stimuli presented in the news or social media,” is a product of repeated exposure to excessive violence. Caityln described her struggles with compassion fatigue in relation to her Christian faith, and the importance of making time for rest in today’s demanding work culture. “Rest is critical in all aspects of life and is well-researched to be beneficial,” she said. “Taking time for oneself on the Sabbath to be renewed and able to serve is a positive expression of faith that allows you to feel compassion without experiencing compassion fatigue.”
Nathan began his speech with a simple question: “What does it mean to be human?” In his speech, “What Do You Believe?,” he discussed how every person is entitled to the right of being human. He used creative imagery to indicate how people are placed in boxes that define them based on their race, gender, culture, and religion. Reflecting upon his experience watching the documentary Hotel Rwanda in his grade 10 Social Studies class, Nathan shared the importance of visualizing social change as a ladder of many steps, rather than one big jump. “One person can make a world of difference,” he said. “Words have the power to inspire, to transform lives, and to help others.”
While conversations exploring the brutal realities of the world can be uncomfortable, they are necessary in making progress towards creating peace and unity. The Grebel community thanks Kalkidan, Fiona, Caitlyn, and Nathan for spreading awareness and helping inspire others to create positive change. Kalkidan will go on to represent the Peace and Conflict Studies Department and the Grebel community at a bi-national competition later this year.
By Jiho Mercer
Photos: Fiona Lüling, Caitlyn Walsh, Kalkidan Ararso, Nathan Yap