Jahid Ikbal: In a world increasingly shaped by division and misunderstanding, initiatives that nurture empathy, respect, and coexistence from an early age are more crucial than ever. Taking a meaningful step in this direction, HWPL organized a hands-on peace education campaign titled “One Student, One Value” across eight schools in India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The campaign, held from February to March, marked the 18th anniversary of the United Nations World Day of Social Justice.

The World Day of Social Justice serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to address poverty, inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion. It calls for collective efforts to build societies where dignity, fairness, and human rights are upheld for all. Aligning with this vision, HWPL designed the campaign to instill values of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding among students—recognizing that classrooms are the starting point for long-term societal change.

At its core, the campaign emphasized the idea that every student holds unique value. Drawing from HWPL’s Peace Education Textbooks—specifically Lessons 1, 2, 4, and 8—the program encouraged students to reflect on global challenges such as war, discrimination, and religious intolerance. More importantly, it provided them with practical opportunities to develop empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

The campaign featured interactive and creative activities, including individual peace poster-making and a collaborative art project. Each student created a poster expressing values like equality, respect, and social justice. These individual efforts were later combined into a unified artwork, symbolizing how collective harmony can emerge from diverse perspectives.

Participating institutions included Shri Ram Global School, Kulachi Hansraj Model School Primary Wing, Little Steps Montessori School, Sarvayog International School, and KLE Society’s School Nagarbhavi in India; Dream Tree International School and Montessori in Bangladesh; and Afghanistan Girls International Online University along with Samsoor Abdali Private High School in Afghanistan.

The impact of the campaign was evident in the transformation of students’ attitudes and perspectives. At Shri Ram Global School, noticeable changes were observed before and after the sessions. One student, who previously relied on arguments or complaints to resolve conflicts, began to understand the importance of communication and empathy. Another student developed a newfound appreciation for cultural diversity, while a third shifted from prioritizing winning arguments to valuing teamwork and mutual respect.
Teachers also highlighted the effectiveness of the program. One educator noted that the session, conducted through discussions and creative exercises, significantly enhanced students’ understanding of cooperation, diversity, and respectful interaction. The activities encouraged students to reflect on their own behavior and fostered a more positive classroom environment.

At Kulachi Hansraj Model School Primary Wing, even 7-year-old students actively engaged with the concept of peace and unity. Through joyful participation in poster-making, they demonstrated that meaningful learning can occur through experiential activities. Similarly, at Little Steps Montessori School, students expressed their understanding of social justice in simple yet profound ways. One child described it as “being kind and caring,” while another defined peace as “living happily without fighting,” emphasizing the power of small acts of kindness.

Students at Sarvayog International School also shared thoughtful reflections. They spoke about fairness, equality, and the importance of helping others, recognizing that even small gestures can create a positive impact. Teachers at the school reinforced the connection between social justice and peace, stressing that a society rooted in respect and equality naturally fosters harmony.
At KLE Society’s School Nagarbhavi, students displayed increased awareness of social justice concepts, along with enhanced empathy and responsibility. Teachers praised the creativity and depth reflected in the students’ artwork, noting that the messages of unity, kindness, and harmony were clearly conveyed.

Through this campaign, HWPL aims not only to educate but also to inspire a shift in mindset—one that begins with individual students and extends outward to communities. By fostering a culture where every student feels valued and respected, the organization envisions classrooms transforming into spaces of understanding, and ultimately, societies evolving into more peaceful and inclusive environments.

The message is simple yet powerful: when one student learns respect, a classroom changes—and when classrooms change, the foundation for lasting peace in society is built.