Lahore: February 19, 2016. (Pervez Yousaf) In order to promote peace, tolerance, and acceptance in the society, the Council for Interfaith Dialogue Pakistan (CFID) has formed a team of children of schools and named it “Ambassadors of Peace”. The team is comprised of Muslim and Christian children of different schools and Madrassas (seminaries of Muslim children). There is an open invitation from CFID to all the children belonging to other religions as well. It is a innovative vision of the founder and coordinator of CFID Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap who is also the manager of Capuchin Schools in Lahore and Custos of the Mariam Siddeeqa Custody, Pakistan. In this regard CFID organized an Oath Taking Ceremony of the “Ambassadors of Peace” in the auditorium of St. Mary’s High School Gulberg Lahore. Fr. Francis Nadeem was the chief organizer and president of this significant event whereas Sunil John a teacher of St. Mary’s High School assisted him to accomplish different related tasks. Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain principal of New Century Quran Institute, was the chief guest whereas Deacon Adnan Kashif OFM Cap and Pervez Yousaf secretary of the CFID were the guests of honor on this occasion. Children of St. Mary’s High School No. 1(Gulberg) & 2 (Kot lakhpat), Franciscan Boys and Girls High Schools Kot Lakhpat, St. Lawrence’s High School and New Century Quran Institute along with their teachers were present in this distinguished oath taking ceremony. The ceremony began with the national anthem sang by all the participants followed by the song of peace by the children of Franciscan Boys High School Kot Lakhpat Lahore. A beautifully prepared slide show highlighting the activities of CFID during the past years was a memorable part of the ceremony which invoked the spirit of peace and harmony among all the spectators. Sunil John described the children about all these activities and told them that they are also going to be a part of this family of the peace promoters. A teacher of St. Mary’s High School Branch II, Miss Sumera described the objective of this programme and the role of children being the Ambassadors of Peace. She said, “To be an ambassador is not only a title but a great responsibility. Children are selected to be the ambassadors of because they are fearless, whatever they think or like they do it. Children study and play together without any sort of discrimination. Children don’t have grudge in their hearts.” She also advised children whenever you see a conflict among your brothers and sisters or between your parents you must come forward to control this situation and play your role for reconciliation. She added that peace is the dire need of the hour because not only our country but the entire world is going through a chaotic situation because of day by day increasing acts of terrorism. Talking to children Mufi Syed Ashiq Hussain director of CFID and principal of New Century Quran Institute Lahore Cantt., said that none of the religions teaches to spread hatred, discrimination or to fight with one another. Instead of that all the religions teach us about peace, tolerance, forgiveness and acceptance. He said life starts from childhood and proceeds towards youth and old age. Things, once we learn during our childhood remember throughout our life. He further said to children that the seed of peace which has sown in your hearts today will grow gradually in your life and you will remember this day throughout your life and become the true ambassadors of peace. He also advised children to respect all the religions. After this Mufi Syed Ashiq Hussain along with Fr. Francis Nadeem administered the Oath Taking Ceremony the children were holding illuminated candles during the ceremony and they were also chanting the slogan “We want Peace….we want peace”. In between a “Song of Unity” was presented by the children of St. Mary’s High School No. 2 and Franciscan Boys High School, Kot Lakhpat. Fr. Francis Nadeem congratulated children becoming the “Ambassadors of Peace” and welcomed them to be a part of the peace promoting initiative of the Council for Interfaith Dialogue. He also thanked the guests, the teachers and all the children who were present during this magnificent ceremony.