In the heart of western Uttar Pradesh, Caritas India’s Samvaad Peace Building program is fostering a new generation of peacemakers. This initiative addresses the pressing issues of conflict, violence, and social unrest by promoting peace, reconciliation, and harmony through dialogue, conflict resolution techniques, capacity building, and community engagement.

The program’s innovative approach includes the establishment of Peace Clubs in various schools, where children are equipped with special Peace Kits. These kits are a treasure trove of inspiration, containing a captivating Peace Story Magazine, a white T-shirt and cap symbolizing purity of purpose, a dedicated notebook and pen to document their peace-making journey, and a symbolic peace wristband.

Peace Club members, identified and united as a force for good, actively promote peace and harmony within their communities. Guided by dedicated peace volunteers and staff mentors, these young leaders hold regular meetings, particularly during cultural and festive occasions, to spread a powerful message of unity and peaceful coexistence.

At the heart of this initiative, a successful interface meeting was organized, bringing together students from various schools, including MDS Inter College, Najibuddaula Girls Inter College, Holy Family, M.V.M Public School, Madarsa Sahabzeer, and Government Inter College. This event aimed to ignite the values of ethics, peace, and harmony among the youth. During the handover of the Peace Kits at KSSS, Rev. Fr. Jose Alukkul and Sister Sandhya led engaging sessions filled with lively discussions and interactive activities. Through thoughtful games and collaborative exercises, students explored the power of working together, promoting unity, and building collective strength.

The theme of “Samvaad” (dialogue) was brought to life through action songs, emphasizing the importance of peaceful communication and interaction. As summer break approaches, Peace Club students are not left with mere good intentions. They have been empowered to become active agents of change, tasked with gathering stories of positive transformation and identifying opportunities within their communities where they can contribute to peace and harmony. This initiative aims to cultivate a lasting culture of peace that extends beyond school walls into the broader community.

In Charthawal, Muzaffarnagar district, Peace Kits were distributed to students from Janta Inter College Kuteshra and J U Islamia Inter College, with full support from the school management. Similarly, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Anglo Vedic Inter College, Pinjora, and Dayawati Modern Inter College, Ramnagar in Saharanpur, witnessed meetings with Peace Club children and received Peace Kits.

In another inspiring event, the Suchetna Bareilly Diocese hosted a training and Peace Kit distribution program at Maria Intercollege. Peace Club members from both DPP Degree College and St. Maria Intercollege, Dhankuna, came together, with the school’s principal and staff demonstrating strong support by attending the program. The presence and collaboration of these leaders added a special touch to the event.

Several students took center stage, sharing their perspectives and understanding of their roles as Peace Club members. The excitement was palpable as they received their Peace Kits, eager to participate in future activities after the summer break. They were also challenged to capture their experiences in a diary, alongside their hopes for promoting peace and harmony within their schools and the broader society.

Across four locations, more than 750 Peace Kits were distributed to Peace Club children, providing them with a tangible reminder of their commitment to promoting peace and harmony. Umra Naaz, a Class 12 student from Najibuddaula Girls Inter College, Najibabad, expressed her enthusiasm: “It is a great honor to be chosen as an Ambassador of Peace. I promise to use this Peace Kit to spread kindness, understanding, and friendship wherever I go. Together, we can make the world a better and more peaceful place for everyone. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.”