Train Peace Champions in Schools and Communities.

Since 2021, Uganda Peace Circles have connected communities in Lira, Uganda, and surrounding regions with participants in the United States, including Washington, D.C. Led locally by Passion Aid Foundation Africa in partnership with Little Friends for Peace (LFFP), the program brings young people and community members together to explore shared questions: How does conflict begin? How can people repair harm? And what does peace look like in everyday life? Through weekly Peace Cycles, participants practise mindfulness, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. The sessions draw on activities and resources contributed by LFFP, while educators and community leaders in Uganda help shape programming that is responsive to local experiences. Young people in Uganda share their knowledge and perspectives, and participants in the United States learn alongside them. The aim is mutual learning: participants meet as peers in peacebuilding, sharing ideas rather than expecting one answer to fit everyone. Recently, 43 pupils at First Samuel Primary School took part in a discussion titled “What Brings Me Peace and What Spoils My Peace?” They reflected on what helps them feel safe and peaceful, what can disrupt that sense of peace, and how their choices affect others. Topics in Peace Circles are grounded in participants’ lives and can include friendships at school, exams, theft, and family members who are unwell.

Participants practice tools such as “Stop, Think and Act” and “Being a Bucket Filler!” These activities encourage children to pause before reacting, consider their choices, and take actions that support themselves and others. Storytelling, discussion, movement, singing, and other group activities help create a welcoming space for connection and learning.

The program also includes dedicated circles for women, including women affected by gender-based violence. These sessions provide a space to share experiences, support one another, and recognize the resilience, coping skills, and leadership women bring to their communities. The circles aim to build collective strength and contribute to violence prevention.

Internet connectivity problems and power blackouts have sometimes disrupted sessions. Despite these challenges, participants continue to take part and develop practical peacebuilding skills.

What we hope to do next

We are working to strengthen and expand the program by:

• Securing colored pencils, drawing materials, balls, and cones for children’s creative and group activities.
• Expanding counseling services for people affected by violence, with a focus on those most in need.
• Translating the “Stop, Think and Act” tool card into a local language so more participants can understand and use it.

Continued support can help Passion Aid Foundation Africa sustain the Peace Cycles, provide these resources and services, and reach more pupils and community members. Thank you for helping people learn from one another and build practical skills for peace—one conversation at a time.