Cultivating a Culture of Peace: A Call to Action on International Day of Peace

On September 21, 2024, the world will celebrate the International Day of Peace, marking the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” invites us to reflect on the values and actions necessary for fostering peace in our communities and around the globe.

Children Believe’s Commitment to Peace

Our mission aligns closely with the UN’s vision for peace. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child can live a life of their choosing, free from exploitation and oppression. Our work is grounded in the belief that education is a fundamental tool for breaking down barriers and fostering peace.

Education: The Cornerstone of Peace

Education extends beyond the classroom; it empowers children to dream fearlessly and act with purpose. By providing education both inside and outside the classroom, we help children build the confidence and skills needed to uplift themselves and their communities. This approach not only supports individual growth but also contributes to a broader culture of peace.

The UNESCO Constitution highlights that “wars begin in the minds of men so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” This notion frames the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace. At Children Believe, we take this to heart by focusing on education as a means to build these defenses of peace.

Education is not just about learning academic subjects; it’s about cultivating the mindset and skills needed for peaceful coexistence. Our programs offer more than just classroom instruction. We create environments where children gain the courage, confidence, and safe spaces to choose their own paths. This education empowers them to stand up for what they believe in and contribute positively to their communities.

The Significance of Peace in Crisis Zones

This International Day of Peace is especially poignant for regions where we work like Burkina Faso, where ongoing conflict has intensified the need for stability and hope. The country has faced escalating violence and displacement, with over 2 million people forced from their homes and more than 40% of the population living below the poverty line. As one of our team members from Burkina Faso highlighted, “Children are the ones most affected by the violence and displacement. We need to prioritize conflict mitigation.”

Child Friendly Spaces: Children Learning Through Play, Burkina Faso

In response to this crisis, we have been actively working to support displaced children and communities. Partnering with five local organizations in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, helping them enhance their capacity to respond to humanitarian crises while promoting peacebuilding and development.

We address the urgent educational needs of children living through these crises. In Burkina Faso, with support from UNICEF, we facilitated teacher training in education during emergencies, emphasizing safe schools and psychosocial care to ensure that children’s education continues despite the turmoil.

In such challenging conditions, our educational programs are crucial. They offer children the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge necessary to overcome their immediate difficulties and build a hopeful future. Education becomes a beacon of hope, helping children to rise above their circumstances and work toward a peaceful future despite the surrounding conflict.

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures

By providing support both inside and outside the classroom, we help children overcome obstacles related to poverty, conflict, and injustice. This comprehensive approach ensures that children are not only educated but are also equipped with the tools to effect change.

Our work resonates with the values outlined in the UN’s declaration: respect for life, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. We are dedicated to promoting non-violence through education, encouraging dialogue, and supporting the peaceful settlement of conflicts. By providing children with the tools to achieve their full potential, we are nurturing a generation that can contribute to a culture of peace.

A Call for Humanity and Understanding

The International Day of Peace is also a time to lay down weapons and observe ceasefires. However, it is increasingly important that this day becomes a moment for seeing each other’s humanity. Our collective survival depends on our ability to recognize and respect our shared humanity.

Our work supports this vision by fostering an environment where every child’s voice is heard and valued. By empowering children to dream fearlessly and act with purpose, we help them become agents of change who can contribute to a more peaceful world.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As we observe this International Day of Peace, we invite you to reflect on how education and understanding can cultivate a culture of peace. Support our efforts to break down barriers and empower children through education. Together, we can make a difference and build a world where peace is not just an ideal but a reality for every child.

Let us unite in our commitment to creating a future where peace begins in the minds of children and extends to communities around the world. Your support can help us ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a more peaceful and just world.

 

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

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