Ambassadors for Reconciliation
Commissioned at Easter Sunday March

On Sunday April 14, hundreds of people will join together in capital cities around Australia to participate in the annual Easter Sunday March.
A significant feature of the Easter March this year will be the commissioning of hundreds of young people from not only around the nation but around the world to be 'Ambassadors for Reconciliation'.
Hundreds of young people from every capital city will take part in the sixth year of a pilgrimage to Uluru, affectionately known as the 'Journey to the Heart'.

This year there will be representatives from countries including Chile, China, Iraq, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Ethiopia, Assyria, Korea, Syria, Jamaica, South Africa, Nigeria, the Pacific Islands, Thailand, Egypt and Sri Lanka.
Many from the Melbourne march will be returning to difficult areas with youth unemployment of 60 to 70 percent and where nations are divided. It seems Australia is becoming a source of hope for many of these nations and young people are leading the way.
After kids' prayers have touched thousands of hearts on Good Friday night, and hundreds of kids have brought Easter to every capital city during holy week with live performances, hundreds will converge on "the Red Centre" from every state to work for reconciliation.

The 'Pilgrimage to Uluru', now in its sixth year, is coordinated by 'Schools in Harmony', a nationwide movement which spans primary, secondary, state, private and Christian education systems.
'Schools in Harmony' organises Advent pageants, ANZAC commemorations and community celebrations of all kinds.

The pilgrimage is a journey of reflection; an opportunity to not only experience the beauty of the Outback but to understand the past, meet with indigenous people and commit to the future as a positive force for reconciliation.

The commissioning will take place at 1.40pm in St Andrew's Square as part of the culmination of this year's Easter celebrations. After being commissioned, these ambassadors for reconciliation will lead the colorful march to Hyde Park. A highlight of the afternoon's festival in Hyde Park will be a moving indigenous water ceremony as young people are reminded how their forefathers were introduced to the water holes by local indigenous people.

National Coordinator Mal Garvin said, "We're committed to these celebrations because we believe that Easter holds the key to a harmonious future. At its core it's about new life that enables the death of selfishness and the rebirth of care."

Ends

Media contact:
Steve Hamilton 02 9789-4888, 0438032-002 or
Mal Garvin, National Coordinator of Awakening 041 2904-589

For more information contact your Awakeing State Office