It was a joyful hour of meeting together, almost an oasis within the context of the tension and conflicts experienced here every day. The program featured a presentation by the Focolare, and included a message from the current Focolare president, Margaret Karram, who encouraged each one present “to be a person who builds bridges, opens new paths, removes walls and opens people up to hope!” [Here is the full message]

The project was then presented by students from the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grades (the first year will start with 7th grade students). The program offers a pathway that develops gradually over three school years to ensure that each student will achieve a deep understanding of the concepts presented and internalize the content. Three themes will be addressed over the course of the year.

Each theme will be accompanied by “actions” featured on the “Cube of Peace”, a cube that features phrases on each side which suggest ways to build peaceful relationships. Here are the themes for this first year, 2024-2025 (and the associated Cube of Peace actions):

• Understanding oneself, self-esteem and personal development (“Treat others as you would like to be treated)
• Training in conflict management; working as a team (“Forgive those who hurt you”)
• Intergenerational and peer dialogue (“Discover the good in others”)

Gen Rosso and Gen Verde musical bands, which were prevented from being present due to the current situation, sent a video greeting, encouraging everyone to become leaders in promoting hope and fraternity. [Here is the video of their greeting].

The event was a real celebration thanks to each school’s artistic contributions, including presentations by a student band, a choir and a cultural dance. It was a mosaic of colors and sounds that made everyone experience a seed of a “united world,” a world of brotherhood and peace.

See also: https://cmcterrasanta-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/93bcddc1-7742-4223-bd76-dd86e5f8e05f.mp4?_=1

L'articolo October 24, 2024 – Launching “TogetherWEconnect” in the Holy Land proviene da New Humanity.

The project – co-financed by the European Commission – aims at cooperation between the two continents to address global challenges such as migration flows, climate change, inequalities, and conflicts. But in a new dimension – horizontal, equal – between Europe and Africa. It takes place through a series of virtual exchanges and through training initiatives for young Africans and Europeans, involving the different dimensions of personal development: emotional, relational, civic, political, and entrepreneurial skills.

FIRST MEETING OF 2024: A GRAND START!

On May 11th, the first – online – meeting of 2024 took place, full of activities and speeches. Delegates from Italy, Spain, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Belgium, and Kenya participated. Representatives from Slovenia and Luxembourg were also invited. Joseph handled the technical aspects, while Elisa and Simon Peter guided the event as speakers.

After an introduction to illustrate both the project itself and Living Peace International (LP is one of the peace education training programs within AFR.E.S.H), three experiences were shared on the use of the Peace Dice in Spain, Kenya, and Uganda. There was also a “time-out” moment (a minute of silence, prayer, or reflection on peace). Following this, participants were involved in discussions in both separate rooms and in plenary session. The day concluded with a sharing session involving all attendees.

SECOND MEETING OF 2024: ART AND SPORT AS TOOLS FOR PEACE

The second AFR.E.S.H. meeting took place on May 25th. The chosen theme was “art and sport as privileged tools for building peace between the two continents.” A total of 63 representatives from various European and African countries participated.

Carlos, the founder of Living Peace International, shared with everyone how art can truly be a tool for peace. An art teacher from Uganda then shared what he had learned in his ten years of experience. Participants were then divided into groups for a moment of discussion and reflection on the theme at the heart of the debate. Each shared their own – unique – story.

THIRD MEETING OF 2024: BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN GENERATIONS, RELIGIONS, AND CULTURES

The third meeting of 2024 – on June 8th – focused on “building bridges between generations, religions, and cultures.” Representatives from Italy, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Spain, and Belgium participated, as well as delegates from Burundi, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Guinea Conakry. In total, 60 people.

Experts from Africa and Europe shared their experiences. Participants were divided into different groups to delve deeper into discussions, then all came together for a moment of common reflection.

This 2024 cycle of meetings for the AFR.E.S.H project demonstrated the practical importance of intercultural cooperation and training for peacebuilding, and equally important, the exchange and sharing of personal experiences.

L'articolo Three Stages of AFR.E.S.H: The Path Towards Peace and Global Development proviene da New Humanity.

Answering cross-continental challenges and aiming to prepare for this potent collaboration, AFR.E.S.H project offers training designed to provide practical, hands-on experience. Through international online exchanges, participants can share best practices, gain intercultural perspectives, and consider local implications of global challenges. The courses are flexible and accessible online, allowing you to learn at your own pace and convenience. 

Training Programs Offered by AFR.E.S.H 

 Media Literacy Training for Youth Workers 

Are you a youth worker looking to facilitate more engaging and interactive online meetings and workshops? This training program equips you with the tools and best practices to make digital spaces more dynamic and participatory. Under the guidance of facilitator Rainer Gude, you’ll have the chance to practice new tools and techniques in a supportive environment. 

 Social Impact Evaluation Workshop 

If you’re part of an NGO or association looking to enhance your program evaluation skills, this workshop is for you. Facilitated by Giuseppe Pellegrini, this interactive course teaches you how to develop effective evaluation strategies for your programs. You’ll learn to design and implement monitoring systems and analyze results to improve your organization’s impact. 

The AFR.E.S.H project is more than just a series of training programs; it’s a movement to empower young leaders and foster transnational cooperation. By participating in these programs, you can gain the skills needed to navigate and address the complex challenges facing our world. Join us in redefining the horizon between Africa and Europe—together, we can build a better future. 

L'articolo Building Skills for a Better Future: access AFR.E.S.H training materials proviene da New Humanity.

“Embracing Hope.” With this wish, about 200 people from the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and all over Europe met at the Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) from May 16 to 19.

They are the contact persons of the New Humanity movement,  the social expression of the Focolare Movement, New Humanity the NGO with consultative status in the United Nations, along with representatives of disciplines that dialogue with contemporary culture, the contact persons of Teens4Unity and of AMU (Action for a United World), the NGO that deals with special projects and development.

Also in attendance was a delegation of very young high school students who are part of Living Peace International, along with young ambassadors for peace, such as Joseph, from Sierra Leone, who narrated how at the age of six he was recruited as a child soldier and has now become a young peace leader.

For some time now, these various social expressions -each with its own characteristics and goals- have been working together to help provide concrete responses to the burning issues and expectations of the contemporary world: “Together for Humanity” is their new name. Taking up the Pope’s invitation to the Focolare Movement during a private audience on Dec. 7, 2023, which was to “be artisans of peace in a world torn apart by conflict,” they wanted to dedicate the meeting precisely to peace.

An experience of listening, communal reflection and concrete planning, carried out in the eight communities distinguished by areas and passions. A journey that will continue with the Genfest in Brazil next July, intertwine with the United Nations Summit for Future in September 2024, and with the event in Nairobi with the youth and cities of the world, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. During the meeting, those present, with the help of experts and testimonies, professors, diplomats, social and cultural actors, and organized citizens, reflected on the issue of what is peace, if it is indeed possible to achieve it and by what means.

So many touching experiences from countries in conflict. From Syria, they recounted the brutality of the war they have been experiencing since 2011, aggravated by the embargo affecting an exhausted population. AMU projects such as RESTART, which supports micro businesses with loans and personalized mentoring, have helped slow constant migration processes. Christiane, from Lebanon, despite the situation in her country, characterized by very high inflation and high emigration rates aggravated by the impacts of the war in the Middle East, did not give up: she set up with her husband a productive enterprise for family support and to also help other artisans and rural producers sell their products. The productive initiative also extended to Egypt. From Congo, the fruits of the school for training leaders for peace were presented. A graduate of this school, Joëlle, a journalist and a presidential candidate of the Republic of Congo, launched her presidential platform with the values of peace and social justice. Youths from Ukraine greeted those present with a video, and so did some youths from Bethlehem, Pakistan, Cuba, and the Philippines. The “Together for a New Africa” (T4NA) project for African youth interested in changing the continent was presented: trained hundreds of youth and involved another 9,000 youth in an experience that reached 14 African nations.  The same is being done in Mexico with the National Agenda for Peace, in the United States with courageous conversations against racism.

There is a need for true peace and human rights education as well as the need to name conflicts, exploring their reasons, trying to resolve them with a community strategy that listens to diverse and plural positions which precedes and accompanies every negotiation. It has been said that peace is not only the absence of war. Not everything that is called order is peace. It is not ideological: it is not pacifism. It is the condition in which each person can think and realize his own future. But we need to learn dialogue as a methodology, with which to be willing to lose something for the greater good. This is basically the reason for which perhaps negotiations are not progressive and even international organizations do not seem to be able to handle the crisis. Dialogue, trust, local and global networks, inter-generation, community. We start from here, from these key words, encouraged also by Margaret Karram and Jesús Morán , President and Co-President of the Focolare Movement, who were present on the final day. This is the road to peace, to which we want to contribute concretely, and together.

Mario Bruno
Photo © Matías Blanco

First published in focolare.org. 

L'articolo ‘Together for Humanity’: Peace and Dialogue as a Methodology proviene da New Humanity.

AFR.E.S.H. representatives played a pivotal role in the event, contributing to inspiring experiences and insights. Check the videos below:

Learn more: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/project/afr-e-s-h/

L'articolo AFR.E.S.H. participants are protagonists of global event to foster peace and unity proviene da New Humanity.

Participants discussed the importance of a holistic vision of ecology, which concerns the physical environment and our relationship with creation and each other. This vision, termed “ecology of relationships,” emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the need to act together to address global challenges. The centrality of human and divine relationships in this context was highlighted, with an appeal for greater solidarity and collaboration.

Among the speakers, Professor Nicolaos Asproulis, Vice-Director of the Academy of Volos (Greece) for theological studies, emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships and communion as a foundation for addressing ecological challenges. Professor Stefania Papa from the University of Campania delved into the intrinsic relationality of nature, highlighting how every living being is part of a complex network of interactions.

The experts’ interventions underscored the importance of integrating ecological principles into various dimensions of daily life. Various initiatives were presented, from renewable energy communities to promoting sustainable investments. The urgency of systemic changes at the global level to address environmental and social challenges was also discussed.

The event highlighted the importance of receiving and implementing the teachings of Laudato Si’, the Pope’s document that has had a significant impact beyond the Catholic world. Ecumenism emerged as a key element in addressing environmental challenges, with various churches and religious organizations collaborating to promote integral ecology.

Dr. Nikolaos Asproulis, with his background in Eastern theological vision, articulated the centrality of human relationships in the context of divine creation. Don Emanuel Enrique Barrios, Secretary-General of COMECE in Brussels, instead focused on the reception of the principles of Laudato Si’ in ecclesial and social life.

Dr. Lorna Gold of Faithinvest offered a financial perspective, emphasizing the importance of changing investment systems to promote responsible management of financial resources.

Finally, concrete experiences of applying inclusive ecology, embracing both the natural and social environment, were shared. From local actions to reduce noise pollution to ecumenical initiatives for the conservation of creation, a wide range of practices aimed at promoting positive change emerged. These on-the-ground experiences further enriched the debate and underscored the importance of translating ecological ideals into concrete actions for a tangible impact on our world.

Find here the texts of the speakers.

L'articolo Called to unity – Toward an ecology of relationships proviene da New Humanity.

• Inclusion is integral to sustainability  

Inclusion lies at the heart of sustainability, as protecting the planet requires the commitment and participation of everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. The project emphasized the importance of engaging diverse communities, including minorities and marginalized groups, in sustainability initiatives.  

In Lithuania, the activities were developed with a multinational group, with Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. Inclusion was sought by overcoming the language barrier. In Hungary, the project had a special focus on the Roma people, one of the minority populations in the country. In Italy, a summer campus was held in the most peripheral and marginalized district of the city creating a sense of belonging and accomplishment. 

• Communitarian empowerment through active participation  

Practical engagement, such as transforming school spaces into green areas or participating in community clean-up activities, empowers individuals to take ownership of sustainability efforts and inspires a sense of responsibility towards the environment. 

Collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, educators, policymakers, and project participants, is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting sustainability outcomes. The project emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships and collective action. 

• Local actions can have global impact 

The project exemplifies the importance of local initiatives in contributing to global sustainability efforts. During their visit to Brussels and European institutions, the participants learned how their local activities could effectively influence decisions at the European Union level, demonstrating the interconnectedness of local and global spheres. 

• Sharing knowledge amplifies impact 

During the training activities, participants have learned and experienced how sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices with broader audiences amplifies the impact of sustainability initiatives, inspiring others to take action and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.  

A social media campaign was developed to engage young people with a wider audience and spread the message of sustainability and inclusion. Formation and information went hand in hand during the Media Training and equipped the youth and the partners with skills to share their actions and learnings in an international and entertaining way. Developing a social campaign requires dedication, constancy and collaboration – posts made with cross-posting tools have been the most successful and the results can still reach greater heights. 

• Cultural and linguistic diversity as assets  

 Cultural and linguistic diversity is a great challenge and can create many barriers for engagement, but embracing it enriches community efforts and promotes mutual understanding and tolerance. Overcoming language barriers and fostering inclusive spaces enable diverse communities to collaborate towards common goals. 

The Greenclusive project is a winning partnership of 7 organizations in 6 European countries, co-funded by the European Union.  

Partners:  

L'articolo Results and lessons learned about ecology and inclusion from Greenclusive project proviene da New Humanity.

Central to the mission of Living Peace is its dedication to peace education, with a focus on nurturing active citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and respect for diversity. Through effective and creative learning experiences and pedagogical practices, such as the “Dice of Peace” and the “Time Out”, the project aims at improving everyone’s commitment to live peace and for peace in every context, and to build a “net” of peace that wraps the Earth. 

Here are some of the highlights of the report: 

Global Reach, Local Impact 

• The project reached 132 countries and involved over 2,000 schools, associations, and parishes. 
• It established 40 WhatsApp groups based on languages and geographical regions. 
• Partnered with 94 international and national peace organizations. 
• 757 Young Ambassadors of Peace were appointed and recognized as “builders of peace” by their actions and words, being agents of positive change in their communities. 

Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives 

• Inaugurated six new Great Dice of Peace in different parts of the world.  
• 45 different versions of the Dice of Peace were created in 29 languages. 
• Participates in the AFR.E.S.H Project with virtual exchanges on education for peace with young and adults, specially relating it with the SDG’s. 

Recognition and Awards 

• Received the PRÉMIO Municipal de Mérito Escolar from Matosinhos City Hall, Portugal. 
• Awarded the INTERNATIONAL PEACE AWARD by the One Billion Youths for Peace Foundation, India 

Read the full report in english here.

In Italian

In French

In Portuguese

In Spanish

L'articolo Living Peace International 2023 report: reaching more than 2,000 schools and groups in 132 countries for peace education proviene da New Humanity.

Training ecologically aware teachers 

Linz, Austria 

For an ecological transformation, building sustainable awareness can happen from an early age. In Linz, under the guidance of dedicated teacher Claudia Troia, young people who are preparing to become kindergarten teachers were trained and equipped with a set of skills to educate a new generation. The Greenclusive project served as a platform for nurturing eco-conscious leaders. While participating in workshops on recycling and responsible consumption to brainstorming sessions on eco-entrepreneurship, participants were equipped with the tools to enact tangible change.  

An important step of the experience was the connection between knowledge and concrete action through the transformation of the school’s roof terrace into a green space. Marking the start of the greening of the school building, outdoor lessons will take place there and free time will be spent outside. Besides that, this is also another contribution towards the climate-friendly city of Linz. Reflecting on the experience, students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to delve into sustainability topics in a hands-on manner. Many noted a newfound sense of empowerment and readiness to take on the challenges of building a more sustainable world.

Engaging students to be ecologically active citizens 

Pescara, Italy 

The Pescara Summer Campus took place in San Donato neighborhood, a peripheral area southeast of Pescara. With approximately 15,000 inhabitants, the area suffers from waste management issues, limited cultural opportunities, air pollution and insufficient green areas. To address these issues, the Greenclusive project offered various activities designed to engage and educate the youth on pressing ecological issues, ranging from practical endeavors like park cleaning to thought-provoking seminars on the 2030 Agenda.  Through these engagements, participants not only imbibed valuable skills in environmental planning but also gained insights into active citizenship and community building. The workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects served as catalysts for holistic growth, fostering a sense of responsibility towards both society and the environment. 

Students from Liceo Classico D’Annunzio, a school in Pescara, were the majority among the youth, guided by their professor, Andrea Conte. The campus proposal was encouraged in the school environment, serving as an open window for the students to explore educational experiences beyond traditional classrooms. The impact of these endeavors was palpable, as evidenced by a song composed by one of the youth participant Laura Ubaldi take became the project soundtrack. The youth emerged not just as beneficiaries but as active agents of change, their newfound awareness translating into tangible actions within their community. The sense of belonging and accomplishment resonated deeply, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable future for Pescara. 

Call to action 

The impact of the Greenclusive project extended beyond individual participants, resonating throughout the communities and beyond. Collaboration emerges as a central theme, with stakeholders encouraged to join forces in pursuit of common goals. By fostering partnerships between the local community, Greenclusive participants, and policymakers, the project envisions a collaborative approach to sustainability that transcends boundaries and fosters meaningful change. 

As the project unfolds, there is a clear call to action for policymakers at local and European levels. Urging for reforms in the education system to allow for more project-based learning, participants emphasize the need for time and space to explore sustainability initiatives fully. 

In essence, the Greenclusive project, a winning partnership of 7 organizations in 6 European countries, co-funded by the European Commission, serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and community engagement in advancing environmental sustainability. As participants continue to champion these principles, their collective efforts promise to shape a greener, more inclusive future for generations to come. 

L'articolo Protagonist educators engage active students in ecological and inclusive project proviene da New Humanity.

Abandoned nuclear power plants evoke images of desolation, with Chernobyl standing as a haunting reminder of the potential consequences. Ignalina, another nuclear center located in Lithuania, shares the same landscape with a troubled history. Notably, it served also as the backdrop for the HBO TV series Chernobyl.  

Reaching out to the excluded and planting seeds of hope are part of the mission of the Greenclusive project. The participants decided to act locally at Visaginas, the youngest city in Lithuania, and is primarily known for the nearby Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, construction of which began in 1978. 

Scoping out the territory, investigating the challenges 

Ignalina’s struggles are deeply rooted, and the nearby city of Visaginas bears the burden of an aging nuclear infrastructure. Although the nuclear power plant has been closed, the burial and storage of radioactive waste remain a significant problem and has caused significant damage to Lithuania’s largest lake, Lake Drūkšiai, and its flora and fauna.  

The city faces a number of socio-environmental challenges, such as low birth rate, aging population, disabilities, substance addiction, and psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Additionally, there are challenges such as unemployment and migration. The environmental quality in the municipality is deemed inadequate due to escalating air and water pollution, an underdeveloped waste management system, reliance on diesel for heat, slow housing modernization with reliance on diesel for heat, and a high motorization rate with a dated vehicle fleet and a shortage of electric vehicles. 

In a place where abandoned buildings dot the landscape and waste mars the natural beauty, the question arises: Can ecology and inclusion find a foothold here? 

In Action: Greenclusive Youth’s Bold Initiative 

A group of 9 young people from Lithuania and Estonia embarked on a journey to Visaginas, confronting the complexities of this nuclear-tinged environment. At first, the goal was to observe what is happening in the city, what positive initiatives have been implemented or are in progress, and what problems the city is facing. 

From July 6th to 9th 2023, through the lens of the Greenclusive Project, these youngsters engaged in meaningful actions, such as getting to know the city and the nuclear center, meeting many residents, cleaning the lakeside and visiting the municipality. This collaborative spirit resonated as a testament to the potential for positive change, even in seemingly desolate places. 

The population of Visaginas is predominantly Russian (48%), followed by 20% Lithuanian, and the remainder includes Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. The language barrier complicates communication among diverse communities and makes it harder to engage residents in activities together. Unfortunately, until today, the linguistic divide hinders diverse people and cultures from living in unity and harmony. 

In light of the above, the group had the opportunity to learn about the “Point” Youth Center and its activities. The center brings together young people from different language backgrounds and teaches them mutual tolerance. Those who come to the center can engage freely in various artistic activities, play, create costumes, pursue activities they enjoy, be accepted and respected—respecting each other. 

As a testament to the project’s impact, one of the participants returned to the city after some months for an annual festival. This not only symbolizes the lasting connections formed but also highlights the potential for ongoing positive change. The Greenclusive Project envisions a future where ecological sustainability and social inclusion thrive, especially in the most unexpected and excluded places.  

L'articolo Greenclusive: ecology and inclusion in abandoned nuclear power plant proviene da New Humanity.