It has been 80 years since the atomic attacks on Japan.
Many students would be unaware of the devastating effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan in August 1945, 80 years ago this year. Sadly, the generational trauma is still being felt in those societies today.
Representatives of twelve South Australian peace organisations – the Peace Associates – have come together to prepare a new resource pack – Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 8o Years. The pack of commemorative activities, events and resources, is provided to support schools in sharing information with students about the atomic bombings, the ongoing impact on society and the importance of promoting peace.
The resources are provided for teachers to guide their students in becoming involved in activities that can help us all work towards Peace in our World. This is especially important at this disquieting time.
Download Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 80 Years. Commemorative Ideas for Schools here.
Other activities to build a peaceful future include:
1. Installation of Peace Poles
A Peace Pole is an internationally recognised symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in different languages on each of its four sides. This universal message for World Peace was authored in 1955 by the late Masahisa Goi of Japan, who was greatly affected by the destruction caused by World War II and the atomic bombs that fell on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Contact Rotary Club of Adelaide at secretary@adelaiderotary.com.au for information to have a Peace Pole installed at your school. Over 100 schools in SA already have a Peace Pole donated by Rotary clubs.
2. The Oliphant Science Awards
The Oliphant Science Awards, presented by the South Australia Science Teachers in collaboration with The Rotary Club of Adelaide and The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation, launched a commemorative science writing topic online on 14 March 2025. The topic, “If It Happened Here: The Impact of a Nuclear Bomb on Adelaide,” encourages students to use scientific modelling to explore the effects of a nuclear explosion on Adelaide, including the blast radius, radiation fallout, and long-term consequences. It also promotes reflection on the ethical responsibilities of scientists and the importance of peace. Details can be viewed at the Commemorative Science writing topic. Awardees will be announced later in the year.
3. Artwork
Discussions are being held with some schools about developing artworks, e.g. posters, to inform people about the bombings and the nuclear era. Schools can contact Leonie Ebert from the Graham F Smith Peace Foundation at leoniemebert@gmail.com for information.
4. Art for Peace – The Story of The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation
Encouraging schools to use “Art for Peace – The Story of The Graham F Smith Peace Foundation for peace ideas. The book can be obtained here, at Imprints Booksellers, or from Wakefield Press. Contact Leonie at leoniemebert@gmail.com for more information.
5. Investigate the importance of signing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Read and share the information from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). ICAN is a coalition of non-governmental organisations promoting adherence to and implementation of the United Nations nuclear weapon ban treaty. See more info here https://www.icanw.org/
6. Attend the 6 August 2025 event
Schools are asked to plan to be represented at the Commemoration of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings on Wednesday August 6, at 8.00 am at the Peace Park, Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, North Adelaide. This ceremony lasts 30 minutes. Schools may wish to organise their commemoration program. Contact Leonie at leoniemebert@gmail.com for more information.
Peace Associate organisations – please connect with us:
1. Australian Education Union SA (AEUSA)
2. Graham F. Smith Peace Foundation – Working for Peace through the Arts
3. Japan Australia Friendship Association
4. Lyceum Club Adelaide
5. Medical Association for the Prevention of War (MAPW)
6. Peace Poles Oceania
7. Romero Community
8. Rotary Adelaide
9. Rotary Unley
10. Sophia – the Ecumenical Feminist Centre
11. The Muriel Matters Society
12. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)