THE AIM OF THIS PROJECT

To encourage children here in Australia and worldwide to fold of a lotus flower as a gesture for peace and compassion. Through the creativity and simplicity of our young children, they may be inspired to share this with friends, family and loved ones.

Inspiration Behind Petals of Peace

In the three short years of little Fadu's life, she has travelled to more countries than most of us would hope to cover in our entire lifetime!

Fadu has accompanied her mother, Jane Dai, to over 30 countries around the world. Each journey has been for the same purpose - to tell the story of Fadu's father Chengyong Chen, a gentle man who lost his life for embracing the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance.

Each journey taken by Jane and Fadu has been to raise awareness of the suffering of all Falun Gong practitioners in China in the hope that they can help bring the suffering closer to an end.

Fadu was born in April 2000, and was only nine months old when her father was detained by Chinese authorities - she never saw him again. After his arrest, Jane managed to bring Fadu back to Australia. In July 2001, after months of concern for her husband's safety, Jane saw the name of her husband on an Internet news report. Chen's body had been found in an abandoned hut in Guangzhou - he had been tortured to death because he refused to give up his peaceful beliefs.

Several members of Fadu's family are also Falun Gong practitioners.

Fadu's aunt was illegally kidnapped and detained for two years in a forced- labour camp after she had identified Chen's body. Fadu's grandfather suffered from such shock after finding out about Chen's death, that he became sick and later died. Fadu's uncle was also forced by police to give up his practise of Falun Gong, and is still being constantly monitored.

Chen Chengyong was a Falun Gong practitioner, someone who lived each day according to the timeless principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance.

The ancient exercise and meditation practice known as Falun Gong (Falun Dafa) was first introduced to the public in China in 1992. It was widely promoted for its benefits to health and well-being.

Many Australians are familiar with traditional forms of exercise and self-improvement such as Yoga and Tai Chi, which have become a way of life in our society. Falun Gong is similar in that it includes exercise for improving health and energy, but it also emphasises the importance of improving one's heart and mind by living the values of 'Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance'.

After seven years of unprecedented growth, and over 100 million enjoying the practice, Falun Gong was banned in China simply due to its immense popularity.

Little Fadu has directly felt the affects of this persecution against Falun Gong, even though she lives here in Australia. Her story is not just about her own suffering, but also expresses the hearts of so many innocent families in China who have been denied their freedom of practice and belief. These families have suffered the most severe treatment simply for wanting to improve their health and become better people.

Many continue to suffer as children are separated from their families and prevented from attending school and other educational facilities. In every way, the children are the innocent ones! If we can all contribute to developing friendships and international understanding, the world's children will look forward to a brighter future and the promise for a better world for all. We hope this project is a step in that direction!

How can your school get involved? Please contact us.