Swansea’s Lord Mayor is honouring a city youth group which has become the first group of its kind in the UK to receive the national Peace Mala accreditation.
The Doves Youth Group, based at St David’s Church in Swansea city centre, is to attend a special awards ceremony hosted by the Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Richard Lewis on Monday April 18.
Cllr Lewis said: “I am delighted with the efforts made by everyone at the youth group. They are a credit to Swansea.
“Swansea is a City of Sanctuary and it has been wonderful to witness the various groups and schools here who have taken up this initiative to learn about and respect others, whatever their faith or culture.”
A Peace Mala is a symbolic bracelet which promotes friendship, respect and peace between faiths and all people of all faiths, cultures and lifestyles in the world.
The Mala and its Golden Rule to treat others as you wish to be treated is endorsed by the Dalai Lama.
Rachel Davies, Leader of the Doves Youth Group, said: “The Youth Group has been enthusiastically dedicated in working towards this award for many months.
“They have been raising awareness about the environment around them with help from a Swansea Council Biodiversity Officer, learning about other religions with a Buddhist nun and tasting fair trade products with Fairtrade Swansea.
“During this work the youngsters and their supporters raised in excess of £1,400 for various charities including WaterAid and the Christian Lewis Trust.”
