Education is quite simply another name for peace-building. When a nation’s children and adults are educated alike, it not only grows and prospers, but peace and harmony are manifested as well. Imparting the right knowledge and sharing wisdom has been URI’s prime focus as the darkness of ignorance can cause a lack of respect for other faiths and thus cause unrest among members of different cultures and creeds. Education is, therefore, a gift to humanity and each individual across the world deserves to receive it, no matter which religion or faith they practice.
We collaborated with Non-Violence Project India and Choti Si Khushi in organizing a training program called ‘Schools for Peace’ wherein about a hundred students were taught about Conflict Management, Self-Esteem, and Non-violence. G3S Foundation launched ‘Project Shiksha’ to provide education to kids in Bihar whereas Choti Si Khushi launched ‘Project Sewa’ to promote mental, social, and emotional health among kids via various activities. Similarly, AYEPO conducted a ‘Paint for Peace’ competition in Afghanistan. On their second anniversary Light Up very creatively and beautifully celebrated it with kids from the Sanjay Camp. My Perch CC also organized a day full of discussions and activities for kids, called Baat-Cheet and More, and also conducted writing, theatre, and painting workshops.