Hawke's Bay students will be part of a global peace initiative when the annual Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run hits the district next week.
An 11-member international relay team will visit five Hawke's Bay schools on Monday and Tuesday to impart their message of "Peace Begins with Me!" for the 30th anniversary of the event, which used to be known as the World Harmony Run.
As a symbol of peace and harmony, runners carry a flaming torch which has touched the hands of many world icons including Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali.
Local co-ordinator Niryana Marshall said the event will give Hawke's Bay students the confidence they need to create a more understanding and tolerant world.
"Children are the future leaders of humanity."