A sketch on disarmament stole the show by Sudanese students, who joined their counterparts from Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United States in celebrating International Day of Peace on 18 September.

The theme of this year's event, 'Disarm Now for a Better World', resonated in songs and drama presented by students from Khartoum International Preparatory School, Comboni College and the Ahfad University for Women.

The sketch entitled 'Another Way ... Another Life' reflected on the changed fortunes of an ex-combatant, played by Nadir Kamal, to illustrate the benefits of the ongoing demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) programme in Sudan.

In the single-scene play Nadir, a former soldier-turned-carpenter, is busy in his workshop when a customer from the neighbourhood appears. They realize they are long-time friends who lost contact soon after Nadir was drafted at the height of Sudan's civil war.

As the two friends engage in a chat about Nadir's discharge from the army, a female soldier from a nearby garrison, played by the 17-year-old student Noor Eyad, joins them. Inspired by Nadir's story, Noor's character says she too would love to leave the military and reintegrate into civilian life.

"Before, I was scared that if I leave the army, I won't have money ... but I realized that I can be safe without a gun and have a better life," said Noor in expressing the female soldier's perspective.

Noor added that "DDR gives people their lives and hope back."

Recruited for the event by UNMIS, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the students were also able to follow the UN Secretary-General's address on the International Day of Peace via a video conference from New York.