Congratulations to Moe Qureshi for his award-winning essay “Peacemakers Build Cultures of Peace.”

Moe is an eighteen year-old student residing in Mississauga, Ontario. He attends Streetsville Secondary School and has long-term career plans in the field of medicine. Currently he is assisting in medical research on asthmatic allergies at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health at St. Joseph’s Healthcare. Moe has been to the Arctic with CBC news anchor Peter Mansbridge, is a founder of Ontario Nature’s Nature Guardian Youth Council, and was one of 28 students at the Ontario Science Centre’s Science School.

When asked what inspired him to enter this year’s contest, he wrote: “I loved the idea of peacemaking and knew writing the essay was a great opportunity to explore how peacemaking could be distinct from peacekeeping. Cpl. Isfeld’s story about handing out dolls to traumatized children inspired the idea that anyone can contribute as a peacemaker. I was energized by all the great stuff about peacemakers I found while doing research, so I kept writing it until I had finished the essay.

For his winning submission, Moe will receive $500 cash prize, a certificate, and a “No More Landmines” t-shirt designed by Paul McCartney.

Click here to read the winning submission.

MCpl. Mark R. Isfeld:

Many Canadians have served on several international missions in the course of their careers, repeatedly fulfilling their duties against the constant background of danger. One example of this special effort comes from Master Corporal Mark Isfeld. He was a combat engineer who served in three peace missions before losing his life in a landmine explosion in Croatia in 1994.

While serving overseas Mark was known for giving children in war-torn regions handmade dolls that his mother crocheted. These ‘Izzy dolls’ brought a smile and a glimmer of hope to children facing tremendous hardship. Mark’s legacy continues and thousands of these dolls have been crocheted and donated by people all across Canada. The dolls are distributed to Canadian soldiers who in turn give them to children in war-torn countries. This kind and generous act by countless Canadians keeps MCpl. Isfeld’s tradition alive.

Interested in submitting an essay for next year’s contest?

Deadline: 31 January 2012

E-Mail: admin@canadianlandmine.org or

Post: Canadian Landmine Foundation
c/o LCMSDS Wilfrid Laurier University,
266 Marsland Dr.,
Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z1

The question: What is a peacekeeper, peacemaker?

Why does it matter that we have peacekeepers and peacemakers in our communities? You have an opportunity to explore these ideas in your submission for the Mark R. Isfeld Essay Contest.

Mark Isfeld is a great example of a heroic Canadian peacemaker. Mark was a courageous Canadian who worked to clear landmines in war-torn countries. Tragically, while on a peacekeeping mission in Croatia in 1994, Mark lost his life to a landmine. He sacrificed his life in the pursuit of peace.

Mark is just one example. Peacemakers exist throughout Canada, in our cities, towns and local communities. You may have peacekeepers living with you in your home.

In honour of Mark, the Canadian Landmine Foundation wants YOU to submit an essay and tell us what characterizes a peacemaker?

To help you in this process, you can learn about individuals in your community or prominent Canadians that have embodied peacemaking and tell us about them. What have they done to bring about peace to their community, the country and the world? Why do you admire them?

By doing this, YOU will have an opportunity to learn about positive role models that are dedicated to achieving a better world. Building strong commitments to peace internationally must start with an individual’s dedication to peace at home.

Open to all Canadian residents between the ages of 14 and 18. Essays may be submitted in either official language.