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 meetings covered three main themes: Dice of Peace; Art and Sport as Privileged Instruments for Building Peace; and Building a Bridge Between Generations and Cultures. The sessions led by Living Peace International, a project focused on peace education from the NGO AMU – Azione per un Mondo Unito, featured effective and creative learning experiences and pedagogical practices.

The first meeting on April 15, 2023, introduced participants to the Dice of Peace and included discussions on personal experiences with the initiative. The following sessions on April 22 and May 13 explored using art and sport for peacebuilding and bridging generational and cultural gaps. The second session involved interactive activities, videos, and discussions on how art and sport promote peace. The final meeting focused on building connections across generations and cultures, featuring breakout room discussions and shared experiences from various countries. Each session concluded with positive feedback, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and connection. 

The diverse participation from various countries in Africa and Europe raised awareness about the importance of peace education and highlighted the global reach and inclusivity of the initiative. This exchange also demonstrated the potential for continental collaboration, inspiring similar efforts and encouraging other organizations to adopt a more global and inclusive approach. AFR.E.S.H Online Exchanges, co-funded by the European Union, successfully bridged geographical and cultural divides, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences among educators dedicated to promoting peace through education. 

L'articolo AFR.E.S.H promotes global peace education through creative learning experiences proviene da New Humanity.

From May 30 to June 2 in Castel Gandolfo (RM), the second of three job shadowing meetings was held as part of the Erasmus+ project “M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW,” with the participation of educational partners from France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Egypt, and Lebanon.

The project aims to facilitate a pedagogical exchange between associations from Mediterranean countries working with youths aged 13 to 17, focusing on minors with a migratory background. The goal is to renew and enhance educational programs in a multidisciplinary and integrated manner and to implement them for the benefit of the young people in contact with these organizations. 

During the meeting, work sessions on the presentation and exchange of methodologies opened with the integration of minors with a migratory background. Azione Famiglie Nuove presented the “Fare Sistema Oltre l’Accoglienza” (FSOA) project, a program of social and occupational inclusion. Significant were the testimonies of Steve and Mamhou, respectively an educator at Casa Ismaele in Calabria, and a young person previously accommodated there. They highlighted key aspects such as the importance of welcoming, accepting differences, building support networks in the community, and especially a personalized intervention approach for each foreign minor under their care, with whom an individualized educational pact is carried out. This tool was appreciated by all educators present. The narratives showed how understanding others leads to overcoming prejudices and stereotypes, forming the basis for effective inclusion. Additionally, the effectiveness of the peer-to-peer methodology implemented by already integrated young foreigners towards their peers was highlighted.

Educational programs on peace education and active citizenship were then presented, including the international project “Living Peace” and the methodology “Six Steps for One Goal” (6X1), inspired by Service Learning. These are promoted in schools and other informal educational settings for youth in many countries. The proposed pedagogical tools led to shared work and a commitment to apply these methods in various contexts, with active participation of young people, creating exchange relationships, dialogue, and conflict resolution.

The testimonies of some young peace ambassadors were a moment of great involvement, demonstrating how peace starts from each individual and begins with small daily actions that every young person can take, with amplified impacts in their living context.

The following days were dedicated to intercultural and interreligious dialogue, through sharing methodologies and best practices that value dialogue, respect for others’ beliefs, and building relationships based on the Golden Rule found in major faiths, summarized as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Facilitated by the context of the international symposium “One Human Family,” which included over 400 participants – Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Baha’is, and representatives of traditional African religions – the role of religions in weaving bonds of fraternity was highlighted. Testimonies from people in different conflict contexts demonstrated that engaging with others transforms many polarizations into supportive human relationships.

Discussions with educators addressed current issues such as the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence on dialogue with new generations, and economic and environmental sustainability. The ongoing exchange of methodological approaches and between educators from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds has strengthened the intercultural competencies necessary for the interweaving of peoples and cultures in the Mediterranean. It has laid the foundation for more effective educational action for young people, based on an approach that better meets their needs and requirements.

Collaboration, network creation, organizational growth, and the enhancement of intercultural and interreligious dialogue emerged as key elements for creating a spirit of fraternity and peace in the Mediterranean basin.

Discover the project: https://www.new-humanity.org/project/mediterranew/

Lead organization: Centro Internazionale Studenti Giorgio La Pira – Fondazione.

Project partners: New Humanity; Fondazione Igino Giordani; Humanité Nouvelle; United World for Social Services; Cooperativa Gen Rosso; Azione Famiglie Nuove; Udruga Za Ekonomiju Zajednistva; Fonds Focolari Actions Solidarité.

L'articolo Network and Dialogue for the Creation of a Spirit of Unity and Peace in the Mediterranean Basin 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.

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.

The first day’s work session focused on intercultural aspects. The “Centro Internazionale studenti Giorgio La Pira” presented to the partners the vision of Mayor Giorgio La Pira, its operational mechanisms, and the “Crescendo” project, which is an intervention in global citizenship education in secondary schools. International colleagues had the opportunity to attend an interactive presentation of the “Crescendo” project and were also actively involved in the project experience. As the guests admitted, the presentation made them realize the deep-rooted stereotypes in our minds and society and the resulting narratives, which often lead to conflict situations.

As Anna from the “Living Peace – International” organization concluded:

“It is very important to work with conflicts and live through them, (…) they are part of our life; we cannot simply close our eyes or run away. It is important to experience them together to better understand it and ourselves. Stereotypes create prejudices, and this cannot lead to peace. Only by living together can we all understand this better, which is a crucial preventive step for further conflict escalation.”

Our French partners added:

“To maintain peace, it is essential to work and educate our children to help them grow and become human beings capable of conflict management and aware of the importance of peace.”

During the second day’s work session, the center shared the teaching method of the Italian language and culture “Italian in Florence,” a language school with a specific intercultural and inclusive methodology. The guests were introduced to the Center’s long-term project where language is seen as a key tool for integration and a crucial aspect of creating dialogue. Our foreign guests had the opportunity to look behind the scenes of the Italian language courses and, for those with no prior knowledge of Italian, to learn something new.

“Mare Nostrum” or “Our Sea” was the Roman name for the Mediterranean Sea, encapsulating a sense of regional belonging. Only by creating networks, improving dialogue among people, and focusing on humanity and collaboration instead of competition, can we strengthen the sense of broader regional inclusion. The “M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW” project held two work sessions in Florence, which created new collaborative networks across the sea and made some steps towards transforming the Mediterranean Sea from a basin of death into a more inclusive Mare Nostrum.

L'articolo Network in the Mediterranean Sea for Youth Education proviene da New Humanity.

After its last leg in Bosnia, the HeARTmony project continues in Beirut, Lebanon. Its goal is always the same: to train talented young people in the methodologies of social inclusion for migrants and refugees through art, to strengthen intercultural skills and to reflect on the causes and effects of migrations in the Mediterranean area.

During the first week of November, four members of the band Gen Rosso (Adelson, Ygor, Michele and Juan Francisco), along with the young people of Caritas Egypt (Egitto), Caritas Lebanon and some members of Humanité Nouvelle (Lebanon), had the chance to work, create and dream together.

After landing in Beirut, the band members were warmly welcomed by the volunteers of Caritas Lebanon Youth and by the local members of the Focolare Movement. “It was particularly striking for us to see how ready young Lebanese people were to serve others, despite the complicated situation their country is in… – says Adelson Oliveira – They are like heroes who, even in difficult times, still manage to lend a generous hand to those in need”.

This time around, their visit did not involve organising a concert, but learning to use music and art to bring people together – especially those living on the margins of society, like migrant people – in order to make them feel welcomed and fully part of the community. “Art is a powerful tool – reflects Adelson – music takes us where words, often, cannot. A person can feel loved and respond to love in many ways”.

During the ‘Training Trainers’ course, the band held singing, music and percussions workshops. Their method consisted of making use of everyone’s talents during the preparation of the show. “We shared our experience with them, and together we created something special. – explains Adelson – We are planning to replicate this course format as widely as we can, adapting this artistic experience to the various local contexts”.

The band and the project participants also spent one evening with the Focolare community of Beirut, together with other friends, during which they played music and got to know each other. It was an opportunity to share personal stories and to find out more about the reality experienced by young Lebanese people today. “I spoke to a girl who told me: ‘I want to leave, but I feel that Lebanon will only change if I have the courage to stay. If I put what I have learned into practice’”, Adelson recalls. He ponders: “I think that only love can transform things, and this applies to politics and the economy too. In the current context, it’s hard to tell young people to stay, but that girl’s words struck me deeply. This can be the starting point: we can start by putting love in everything we do in order to make a difference in our own reality. Maybe the results won’t be immediately visible… but I’m sure that soon Lebanon will rise again, like a phoenix!”.

Meanwhile, HeARTmony continues. The ball is now in the court of the young course participants who, in order to prove that they have gained the skills required by the project, will have to prepare an art project for inclusion themselves in the coming months, with the support of Gen Rosso and the various partners.

Leandro Silva

To learn more about the project, visit the project website: https://www.new-humanity.org/project/heartmony/

First published in United World Project.

L'articolo Cultivating unity in Lebanon through music – HeARTmony Project proviene da New Humanity.

« The approach is that of “not of bread alone”. – Explains Valerio Gentile, part of the international band, Gen Rosso. – The goal of this project is that of valuing talents, promoting wellbeing and social inclusion of these people defined as “people on the move” ».

The project to which Valerio refers to is called “HeARTmony”, a word composed of heart, art and harmony. Which then – thinking about it – are also the main ingredients of the project! Financed by the European Commission through the ban “Capacity building in the field of youth”, it is born to strengthen the intercultural skills of the young participants, to help them develop social inclusion methodologies for the migrants and refugees of all ages through art and explore the causes and effects of the migrations in the Mediterranean basin.

The main partner of the project, apart from the international band Gen Rosso, are the international association New Humanity and the cultural association, Dancelab Armonia. And then, other five European realities and of the Middle East: The Fundación Igino Giordani (Spain), Humanité Nouvelle (Lebanon), Caritas Lebanon (Lebanon), Caritas Egypt (Egypt), Caritas Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in collaboration with the J.R.S of Bihać.

Thanks to this project, held from the 25^th of July to the 1^st of August, fourteen young interns, coming from Spain, Egypt, Syria, Bosnia and Italy, were able to leave for the first formation scheduled in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Criteria to access: past experience in the field of performing arts.

The first destination was the Youth Centre Giovanni Paolo II of Sarajevo. Here, a team of the Gen Rosso worked in collaboration with the “Social Corner” an initiative desired by Pope Francis, wherein local volunteers animate the days of the guests in the various refugee’s camps. «We held the first part of the course with some theory, – narrated Gentile – exploring especially the relational aspect: how we relate, how do we create a work group, how to strengthen the self – esteem of the migrants, how we bring out their talents, how we can help them become passive spectators to protagonist actors». The second part of the course, more practical, was held in the Ušivak camp on the outskirts of Sarajevo, that accommodates families, unaccompanied minors and youth, coming from Algeria, Afghanistan, Iran, Burundi, as well as Cuba. «Just like this. Because – Valerio clarifies – the migration route for Cubans is: Havana-Moscow, Moscow-Belgrade. To then reach Sarajevo by foot and from there continue to Bihać, where they try to cross the border to Europe».

With them, the Gen Rosso has conducted some dance, choral singing, percussion and communication workshops. Experience that culminated in the performances on the third day. The first at the camp, where some migrants were able to perform in front of their neighbours, taking turns on stage with Gen Rosso. The second, in the gym of the Youth Centre Giovanni Paolo II of Sarajevo, with the inclusion, during the concert, of 24 refugees of the dance, singing and percussion workshops. «In the end, one of them told us: “You’ll have given me the hope go ahead in my journey!” » Valerio remembers with some emotion.

Then, the Gen Rosso and the interns moved to Bihać, on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. «In collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service we worked in preparation for the show held on Sunday, with some of the refugees of the informal camps… bivouacs, abandoned houses. They were a few of them, to be honest, because of the pleasant days most of them would try to cross the mountain and the border – explains Valerio – and also from, this we learn a lot».

In the end, on Sunday, 31^st of July, the Gen Rosso and refugees performed in the concert “Una”, organized in collaboration with the municipality of Bihać, and born from the will to sustain and encourage the city and local population that continues to persevere in the welcoming of refugees. “Una” like the river that flows, alongside the border between Croatia and Bosnia, and symbolically unites both the countries.

Tamara Pastorelli

For further details and other updates: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/project/heartmony/ 

First published at United World Project

L'articolo Art creates a common ground for migrants and refugees in Bosnia – HeARTmony Project 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.