The United Nations’ World Peace Day was celebrated on Sunday 21st September, and aims to promote harmony and understanding among people worldwide. Kirklees College has joined communities across the world in celebrating this momentous day with Principal, Palvinder Singh, sharing a powerful message of hope, kindness, and unity to all staff and students on Monday.
Speaking to students and staff across all seven Kirklees College centres, the Principal reminded the college community that peace is not only a global aspiration but also something that begins with everyday acts of kindness.
Reflecting on the college’s values, the Principal said:
“At Kirklees College, we live by three values: Kindness, Unity, and Excellence. Kindness begins with ourselves. From kindness comes unity — embracing difference and listening with respect. And when kindness and unity are strong, excellence follows. That is what makes this college special.”
“Peace doesn’t just live in big speeches or global events. It begins in the everyday acts of care we show to one another.”
The Principal also used the occasion to thank staff and students for their continued contribution:
“Our staff change lives every day, often in ways they don’t even see. And our students bring energy, ambition, and curiosity into our classrooms. Together, we create a community stronger than any one of us alone.”
Rebecca Swallow, Head of Student Experience at Kirklees College, added:
“World Peace Day is a chance for the college community to reflect on the impact we can have every day. Our values of kindness, unity and excellence are not just words — they shape the way we connect with each other and with our wider community. Whether it’s supporting a classmate, respecting and celebrating differences, or using your voice for change, our values are what make our college community thrive.”
The event closed with a reminder of Jo Cox’s words: “We have far more in common than that which divides us.” Students and staff were encouraged to hold onto hope and embody the college’s values every day.
As part of its ongoing commitment to social action, the college has also launched the KC Campaigning for Kindness – Social Action Challenge – set across all centres encouraging students and staff to take small, positive actions that make a difference. From fundraising, donations and community projects, the campaign is designed to show how kindness can inspire unity and create lasting impact both inside and outside the college.
Students have also been asked to take selfies and photos in their classes that reflect what peace means to them in their classroom. These photographs will be collected and displayed across college centres as a reminder to the whole college community of the importance of peace.
