Thirty-five young peacebuilders are now a trained, energetic youth peace force for their rural community, a "generation for peace," like their t-shirts say. Our journey together is not ending - it is transforming into weekly meetings, some for further mentoring and planning, some to practice the peace skills that they have learned in their community.
During the ceremony, community leaders and parents heard some of what these youth have been learned. The Peace Wheel centres our lessons on the self, interpersonal relationships, the community, using tools, collaborative decision-making, and universal values, plus care for the environment. They demonstrated practical peacebuilding through a skit, and testified about the impact the course has made. I joined them via zoom until a thunderstorm chased them inside and interrupted the Internet.
Some people are surprised that "Are We Together?" is such a long course (it includes about 75 hours of interactive activities, which can be delivered using different schedules), but the skills it imparts are essential life skills that will benefit learners for the rest of their lives. Indeed, we should all continue to learn and practice how to nurture peace throughout our lives, formally and informally.
Deep listening, mutual respect, saying we're sorry and forgiving each other, and coming together to ensure our communities embrace everyone, care for each others' needs, and protect the environment, are not optional lessons. Don't you wish you had learned more about them when you were young? "Are We Together?" is "peace 101," and it should be followed with "juctice 201," "generosity 301," and "sustainability 401." The numerous components of peace work together, and it will take every member of the One Global Family to realize a peaceful, prosperous future for us all.
Are we together?
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