The Foster Elementary school gym was packed with kids and adults. Adolfo Perez Esquivel was visiting in support of PeaceJam, an organization that brings Nobel Peace laureates to youth to tell their stories of peace building and encourage youth to find ways to bring peace into their neighborhoods. The kids welcomed him, speaking both English and Spanish.

Adolfo was already well-known as a sculptor when he was appointed to a professorship at the Argentine National School of Fine Arts in 1968. He resigned his chair upon being chosen to lead Peace and Justice in 1974, a non-profit organization devoted to peace building. He denounced the terrorism of both the left and the right that had brought Argentina to the brink of civil war and he brought upon himself the enmity of both sides. He spoke on behalf of the desaparecidos, the thousands of people who had simply “disappeared” during the Argentine military junta's campaign against extremists. He was himself arrested in 1977 and held without charge for 14 months, during which time he was tortured.

After being released he continued to be an outspoken advocate of human rights lecturing and traveling extensively. Pérez Esquivel insists that the struggle must only be waged with non-violent means.

The Foster 5th and 6th graders danced Tango, an Argentinian dance form. There was a rap for peace by the music classes, and a special presentation using black light with glowing peace signs. The students and teachers worked hard to make a wonderful welcome for Pérez Esquivel and his translator. He, in turn, inspired the children and parents and teachers that they, too, can build peace where they live and work.