A Canadian named Jean Beliveau whom, in 2000, started a trip to travel across every continent in the world to promote peace for children worldwide. This journey will take 12 years to complete, which is in accordance with the United Nations proclamation: 2001-2010 - International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World". Jean Beliveau arrived in Taiwan this month, making it Beliveau’s 55th country on his website route.

On December 16th, Jean Belivean made two speeches to the students of Kang Chiao Bilingual School. One of the junior high students asked him for the motivation for his decision to undertake such a journey. “Mid-life crisis,” he replied. Promoting peace and non-violence for children is his other reason.

Starting off with US$3,000 in his pocket, Beliveau has spent much of his trip relying on the kindness of strangers. Apart from two drunkards in South America who tried to steal the buggy he drags his things in, he has found love and kindness in all corners of the world. He’s been given eyeglasses in India, airplane tickets in Brazil, cash in the United States and free surgery in Algeria. His shoes have gone into a museum in Hungary.

The content of Mr. Beliveau’s speech is rich and interesting. The teachers and students of Kang Chiao Bilingual School are all touched and inspired by Jean’s story and his mission of promoting peace and non-violence for children throughout the world. Keep on walking, Mr. Beliveau!