In times of great social challenges and conflicts around the world, the commitment to building peace becomes essential and urgent. At Santa Isabel Children’s Charity Work (OCSI), in Angola, the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) has been working on various fronts to promote a Culture of Peace among children and young people. With activities that encourage values such as empathy, respect and collaboration, the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) works to help transform the daily lives of these people and offer them a solid foundation for harmonious coexistence.
Principles and Objectives
For Ajshalom, a volunteer humanitarian actor with the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM), a true culture of peace is not just a set of activities, but a continuous journey of inner search and renunciation of conflict. “The principles of the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) tell us to seek peace, first within ourselves and then in our homes and in our relationships,” Ajshalom explains.
Activities and Challenges in Implementing the Culture of Peace
The activities carried out by the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) at OCSI are designed to promote harmony and well-being among the participants. According to Ajshalom, they all revolve around principles such as renunciation, collaboration and fraternity. These actions aim to inspire children to respect others and live in peace. However, implementing these principles on a daily basis is a challenge that requires continuous adaptation and learning. “But we overcome these challenges with joy and by example,” she shares.
Impact on Children’s Behavior and Attitudes
Adriana, who collaborates with OCSI as a tutor for classes between the ages of 6 and 13, believes that the activities offered by the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) have a significant impact on children’s attitudes. She notes that developing a sense of peace helps to improve relationships between children, promoting tranquillity, respect and self-control. “Peace is good for the heart and mind, helping to overcome problems and negative situations,” Adriana points out. Among the activities promoted, Adriana highlights the “Empathy Game”, which teaches children to put themselves in the other person’s shoes, strengthening their capacity for compassion and mutual respect.
Developing Values and Skills
Through art education activities, OCSI’s children have the opportunity to develop values that are essential for harmonious coexistence. Adriana emphasizes that peace teaches love for others, sharing and cooperation, elements that help children to deal better with conflicts and highlights the importance of projects aimed at the Culture of Peace, especially in these times when the global scenario is marked by instability, divergences and conflicts: “These projects help to unite people and reduce suffering, providing freedom and tranquility.”
Perspective of the Young Participants
The young women of OCSI also share the positive impact of the activities of the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) on their lives. In a conversation, Maria do Carmo and her colleagues from the Sol group, Aurora and Rosinhas, aged between 14 and 21, talk about how these experiences transform the way they see living together. Dancing, writing songs, taking part in prayers and going to the beach are activities that make the children feel welcome and learn about the importance of unity and solidarity. “These activities help us stay calm and forget some things from the past,” says one of the girls.
The participants’ stories show how these actions create an environment of support and comfort. In one of their memories, the girls highlight the experience of making bread at the Children’s House bakery, where together they learn about patience and the value of working as a team. This learning accompanies them on their journey to becoming more understanding and supportive people.
Results and Benefits
The benefits of the activities promoted by the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) are visible in the changes in behavior and relationships between the children. According to Adriana, each activity becomes a kind of therapy, bringing peace and security to the children, who feel loved and supported. This not only strengthens their self-confidence, but also improves interaction between them, fostering an environment of collaboration and friendship.
The implementation of the Culture of Peace in the Santa Isabel Children’s House in Angola shows that, even in the midst of complex realities, it is possible to build a path of harmony and understanding. For the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) and all those involved, these activities represent a mission: the commitment to cultivate a generation that, guided by peace, can dream and build new paths for the future.
