Peace School for 1000 Ukrainian youth

On September 21, 2021, the VIII Congress of the Junior Ambassors for Peace Young Envoys of Peace «The whole world is for peace!» began with the theme: «Recovering better for a sustainable and equitable world.» The first part of the Congress was held at the initiative of Gymnasium 59 named after A. M. Boychenko in Kiev, in an online format as the «Peace Bell Challenge.»  17 schools from different regions of Ukraine took part in the Challenge.

Opening speeches were made by Mykhailo I., Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation in Ukraine, and Tetiana F., Director of Specialized School #85 in Kyiv.  The head of the coordination council of the public movement «Children are Ambassadors of Peace» Oruj N.and the pupils of specialized school 85 in Kiev said the slogan of the movement and began a peaceful challenge. They were joined one by one of the schools.

June 3, 2021, at 13:00 in the park. M. Rylsky, Holosiivska, the final lesson of the "Peace School" for the 2020-2021 academic year took place. About 35 participants visited the cozy park. These are students and teachers from 6 schools in Kyiv.

At the request of students and teachers, the last lesson of the Peace School was devoted to live communication, so it was held in the fresh air in the park in compliance with all sanitary norms. Everyone was treated to sweets and everyone received a small gift. Students from each school in groups shared their impressions of the Peace School’s programs last school year and discussed suggestions for next year. Representatives from each group gave an interview on camera.

The students sincerely shared that they were happy to participate in the activities of the School of Peace. Everyone especially liked that there was a lot of training that helps to develop a peacekeeping character and skills that will help in the future. One of the disadvantages was that the students lacked live communication with each other.

Indeed, the students proved to be true peacekeepers, worthy of the honorary title of "Young Ambassador of Peace."

The Universal Peace Federation in Ukraine (UPF), together with Zhanna V., Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Lecturer of the Department of the Kyiv Regional Council's Municipal Educational Institution "Kyiv Regional In-Service Teacher Training Institute," conducted a practical, interactive lesson "School of Peace" online on March 17, 2021, format on the ZOOM platform on the topic: "Development of key skills of the 21st  century." It was attended by students from ten schools in Kyiv, teachers, and students.

The purpose of the event is to motivate young people to see that the world around us is changing rapidly, and therefore we need to develop new skills in the 21st century. According to analysts, in the next ten years the profession will undergo extremely radical changes, which will be the basis for the creation of new and the disappearance of the old. The lesson covered the TOP-10 skills that will be needed in the future, namely: the ability to think analytically and innovate, the ability to actively learn and understand learning strategies, the ability to solve complex problems, the ability to analyze and think critically, leadership skills and social impact, skills in the use of technology, monitoring and control, possession of design and programming technology, endurance, stress resistance and flexibility, ability to substantiate their thoughts and produce ideas. Young people received practical interactive training to test their leadership qualities. 

Also, the secret of success in later life is the development of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your emotions and your hidden motives for effective interaction with the world around you. It is emotional intelligence that helps to develop many of the above skills of the 21st century. The class conducted practical exercises for the development of emotional intelligence and stress resistance. All participants took an active part in the event, gaining the necessary knowledge and skills. 

The Unification Peace Federation in Ukraine (UPF), together with Zhanna V., Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Lecturer of the Department of the Kyiv Regional Council's Municipal Educational Institution "Kyiv Regional In-Service Teacher Training Institute," conducted a practical, interactive lesson "School of Peace" online on February 24, 2021 format on the ZOOM platform on the topic: "Technology creativity - a stimulus for creativity." It was attended by students from ten schools in Kyiv, teachers, and students.

The purpose of the event is to motivate young people to develop new skills in the XXI century. Creativity is an essential skill that helps prepare young people for the difficulties and challenges of the modern world. Young people received practical training on the development of creativity: together, they created and found original ideas, sought solutions to problems in a non-standard way, tried to see issues from a different angle and their solutions in a unique way. They also discussed together what hinders the development of creativity. All participants took an active part in the event, gaining the necessary knowledge and skills.

On February 13, 2021, the Universal Peace Federation in Ukraine (UPF) in cooperation with the Kyiv Open International University of Human Development "Ukraine" and the Islamic Cultural Center "Alraid" held an international online conference "Interreligious and Cultural Harmony" dedicated to the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.

During the conference, the cultural features of different religious denominations, the role and importance of religion in modern cultural and civilizational cooperation, spiritual and moral values in the modern world and the education of youth were considered. The conference was attended by ambassadors of peace, scientists, public figures, youth and students from six countries. 

Vice-Rector for International Relations of the University "Ukraine" prof. Anna D. in her welcoming address said: "This conference is a great opportunity for all of us to rethink the important role of religious institutions in creating, preserving and restoring peace, spiritual and moral principles and values, harmonious and peaceful development of modern society." 

Mr. Jack C., President of the Universal Peace Federation of Eastern Europe, told the story about the opening of the Interfaith Association for Peace and Development. He mentioned that he took part in the inauguration of this association in Kyiv in 2018. Mr. Corley noted that the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development calls on representatives of various religions, civic activists, government officials and educators to promote intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation between religions, NGOs, civil society and government.

Sheikh Tariq S. spoke on behalf of the Islamic Cultural Center, emphasizing each other's understanding: "We are afraid of those we do not know, we shun those we are afraid of, and we are in conflict with those we hate."

Culture representatives acquainted the participants of the online conference with their own countries.  Arisa T. spoke about Japan and Shintoism, Wan Jin Y. - about Buddhism and South Korea, Manisha S. and Lilia A. - Youth Ambassador for Peace, spoke about the culture and religion of India, Rahav H. - UPF volunteer, told about the Muslim holidays in Syria. 

Inna Y., Head of the Department of Ukrainian Language and Literature, Foreign Languages and Translation, spoke about the religion and culture of Hong Kong. 

The peace ambassador, Boris A., spoke about religious incidents he had encountered while working at the UN. He called on the participants of the conference to respect people of different cultures and religions and proposed to hold an international conference in 2021: "Peace and harmonious interfaith relations."

The conference ended with sincere wishes of peace and success in further work to promote interreligious understanding and consensus.