ONLY ONE AMERICA

PeaceIn’s “Only One America” Project was started in January 2017 with the idea of creating an Art park designed and built by youth from North, South and Central America, and from the Caribbean. This park was conceived as an artistic expression of strength and solidarity of intra-American youth. This year, WFWP NJ supported the project by sponsoring several young people to go to Honduras to attend and serve. The co-directors (Mario Salinas and Carol Pobanz) worked with Laurent Ladouce, a French supporter of the project who had suggested that the city of Tela, Honduras should consider becoming an International City of Peace:

“Each city of peace is a unique answer to a unique question. Tela has to see itself as a city which encapsulates the essence of the Honduran question. And the Honduran question is itself part of the Central American question. We are confident that the city of Tela is a good place to start building a new image of Honduras.”

When the project organizers suggested this possibility to the city administrators, they happily accepted the challenge.

Forging new partnerships and leadership, the election of a new Mayor to the City of Tela this year brought a new and powerful partner to the building of this park. We were able to work very harmoniously with the municipality this time around. The Mayor’s son, a young architect in his 20’s, helped to design additional installations for the park. Though this municipality is not financially strong, the people gladly offered their hard work, and they were also later willing to cooperate with us in organizing a Peace Road March and Rally.

This trip included five USA participants and nine Hondurans. Returning to the Tela Peace Park for the third time since its inception in January 2017, we continued to build the Only One America Peace Park. This project, which was held from August 10 until August 22, took on a greater significance since it occurred just four days after the Latin American Summit in Brazil where WFWP Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon gave the keynote address. The project embraced the same theme as the summit: “Interdependence, Co-prosperity, and Human Values.” The project concluded with a Peace Road Rally and a community gathering based on that theme. In addition, Mario and Carol also emphasized in the education portion of the project the importance of the individual’s unique value, the cooperation of all as a group and the shared benefit to the group as well as to the community.

Accommodations were very near the beach again; therefore, we were soothed each night and woken each morning by the sounds of the rolling Caribbean waves, as well as by the sounds of the many tropical birds (and not-so-tropical rooster) indigenous to the area.

The park has been maintained by the community members, who are more and more involved as the project develops. Our undertaking this time around was the installation of a Peace monument, landscaping and painted fence borders, a mosaic bench and the building of a pergola or arbor over the gazebo. As we worked in the park and shopped at the local businesses, many words of gratitude were offered by community members, together with the assurances that they and their families will continue to enjoy the use of the park. What was once a dirty lot is now a bustling meeting place for children and families during both the day and evening.

Daily we were surrounded and assisted by the children who frequented the play facilities. Many were eager to mosaic, paint, and otherwise just be around the participants. Though the participants were challenged with differences of opinions, the accomplishments of the day left everyone happy, fulfilled and laughing with one another over their resolved difficulties. One team worked on constructing a small fence around a section of landscaping, which looks lovely. At the same time, the second team continued working on a mosaic bench. Even though the work was long, the sun was hot and today’s tasks were accomplished only after working overtime. We all agreed that the joy on the faces of the children who helped on the project made our difficulties worth it.

This project was financially supported by FFWPU New Jersey, WFWP New Jersey and a multitude of general associates. Also donating, were members of the YMCA International Service Organization of North Jersey. The project was spiritually supported by UPF International and Youth and Students for Peace. Education included discussion and exercises regarding individual value and human potential, interdependence, and co-prosperity. There was a particular focus on the potential of youth as world-changers.

The bonds we have forged in this community are substantial. We look forward to the inclusion of future participants as well as the return of those individuals already engaged and embracing the vision of One America.

“I take Tela away in my heart, and (at the same time) I leave my heart in Tela, in the heart of the children. I feel I have accomplished so much to have taken part in this peace park project. I received so much joy from the children, the parents, and the neighborhood people.”

“I am greatly satisfied because I have served others and see the happiness in the people, but mostly I feel satisfied because the work was done from the heart - not feeling pain from the effort and sacrifice.”

Plans are being made to take another group to Tela during either the Winter or Spring break 2019 to continue the project. Projects are tentatively scheduled for two times a year until 2020 or until the park’s completion.

For more information or to donate, please contact Carol Pobanz: carolpobanz@gmail.com