IIPE Nepal 2024 Testimonial

The significance of peace education in today’s troubled world became clear to me when I was training teachers in Myanmar  at the time of the military coup. Students and trainee teachers across the country were driven to non-violent protest in the form of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Through the Academic Network for Global Education and Learning (ANGEL) based at University College, London (UK) I became aware of the Global Campaign for Peace Education, which I joined. From there, the opportunity to attend an International Institute on Peace Education in Nepal arose. Since I felt ill-equipped to fully support the CDM students and trainee teachers I was meeting online, I applied to the conference and was invited to contribute a workshop on ‘Oracy’ entitled – Speak up! Speak out! Pedagogies as Practice Towards Freedom. This was influenced by Paul Freire’s work - Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

The week-long conference was an intensive experience of interactions with ‘humans of peace education’ (HoPE) from 28 countries, with diverse backgrounds and work contexts - ranging from working with refugees; in conflict resolution; or through sustainable development; to delivering academic Peace Studies programmes at universities. Expertise was shared liberally through engaging discussions and a plethora of creative activities… both enriching and refreshing. An aura of graciousness and gratitude pervaded each session as we learnt and socialised together in the Sautee Western Resort in Nagarkot, high above Kathmandu Valley.

All of this was splendidly organised by a team of  avid peacemakers from Nepal, led by Rajib Timalsina, with the aid of IIPE veterans Tony Jenkins and Janet Gerson. The personal experience was transformative and the collaboration was invaluable. Overall, it was awesome!

As a result, I will be taking a lot of new material and innovative methods into my teaching and training programmes.

La experiencia en el International Institute on Peace Education es infinitamente signiticativa y enriquecedora. Durante una semana compartes con facilitadorxs, expertxs, practicantes, docentes que se dedican a la Educación para la Paz a nivel global. Esto hace que se tengan charlas en profundidad sobre la experiencia de cada unx y los contextos en los que se mueven. Permite conocer el trabajo de todas, y sobre todo, empaparse de metodologías innovadoras que se están implementando en otras realidades. Igualmente, permite experimentar tu propio trabajo con expertxs que nutren con sus opiniones.

As a person passionately working for peace education in a deeply divided society, I have been following IIPE activities hopping to join it some time in future

It was a dream coming true for me when Tony and Janet wrote back accepting my application with fees waivers granted to share my work in a panel program at the IIPE-NEPAL - close to my state and I could afford to travel

Being at IIPE-Nepal was like a small rivulet running into an ocean in turmoil with knowledge, theories and practices gathering nonviolent powers - peace education to transform the world from its history and culture of wars and violence.

It was empowering experience in many ways. A global solidarity in the first place, finding right people to connect with common interests, diverse forms of peace education and the global context which inspires for rise of peace politics to change the economy that will support peace education.

The theme for IIPE-Nepal 2024: The pedagogy and peace politics of change: Navigating the tensions between tradition and modernity" which I later realised captured the context so perfectly well providing the right space to reflect on "the pedagogy" and co-create the right text: "peace politics of change" with universal and local specific contents and pedagogies. It is in that overarching design of the IIPE-NEPAL I found many workshops and panels providing space for introspection and self-reflection, recalling indigenous philosophies, traditional knowledge and practices and invitations to eco-feminist approach to live life close to the nature by putting the past and the future together at the present living experiences, consciously.

Now back home as I reflect on I value every moment, every person, every presentation and everything more than what I saw and experience there at the Soaltee Westend Resort, Nepal

I strongly feel that IIPE is the global movement that will gather more and more power as it goes continent to continent to change the course of human history from disastrous ends towards a loving world for all to live happily within the limits of the natural world: environment and ecological system on this planet

Although, I thought I will miss the founder mother of IIPE - Betty Reardon, who I read only in her writings, badly but at the end of the IIPE-NEPAL and back home I felt her timeless spritual presence more because her elder sister, Janet, could also talk to her younger sister Betty and connected her with all of us on her mobile phone!!!

Thank you Tony, Janet and all who are the prime movers and creators of IIPE

Deben

PINE, Manipur - Nagaland

India

The International Institute of Peace Education (IIPE) 2024 was an amazing and cherished experience for me. I realized it as an opportunity for self-reflection, and experiential-learning environment that touched me both in the heart and mind. The overall design of program was sincerely remarkable, with its mixtures of world cafe, plenaries, learning and sharing workshops, reflection sessions, excursions and public lectures. It provided an environment where plenaries tied with small group reflection, open dialogues between the speakers and attendees, enhanced my overall values of IIPE in deeper level. This reflective-learning experience achieved in various workshop guided me to understand inter relationship between peace education and pedagogy of peace.

The participation of formal and informal educators from 28 different countries helped me to understand the institute’s global reach and devotedness in peace education. The exchanges of ideas with individuals extended my existing understanding in three core areas; teaching for peace, fostering peace education and advocating for it.

 The institute’s participatory and inclusive learning environment, guided by a ‘power with’ philosophy and approach of 'exposing capability of every human', inspired me to re think, re-examine and refine my teaching approaches and practices in university. Also, the a common and self-responsible platform to exchange ideas and exploring prospect for future collaborations with other like-minded individuals was a noteworthy life experience for me.

The insights gained during the intensive seven-day workshop are invaluable, and I will definitely incorporate them into my teachings at Tribhuvan University, as well as in my professional work with the Peace Education Network Nepal and other professional and educational networks.

Fuí al IIPE buscando saber qué se hace en educación para la paz que no conozco y si mi idea de voluntariedad como alternativa a forzar la paz sería de utilidad para el espíritu de algún colega.

Me regreso interesado en nuevas tecnologías para cartografía, memoria historia de conocimientos en peligro de desaparecer y en mi práctica de psicoterapia la búsqueda de una terapia libre de criterios de normalidad preestablecidos. Esto como resultado de participar en talleres sobre decolonialidad (decoloniality).

As a peace educator, the IIPE has been such a great learning experience for me. Learning from and with researchers, professionals, teachers, and organizational leaders opened my eyes about the extent of peace education and how it creates ripples in different sectors and aspects of society. There are a lot of thing to learn, unlearn and relearn with my experience here. As a school principal, I brought with me the intentionality of creating programs and opportunities for our students to engage in social and environmental work - that they can be agents of peace in their own ways.

This was my first IIPE experience, and I came to Spain wanting to learn from colleagues all over the world and to become part of a community based on shared hope and solidarity. My experience at the IIPE Spain 20206 far exceeded my expectations. I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful and committed people doing such amazing work all over the world. I feel like I have found a community and look forward to keeping in contact with my new friends. I believe IIPE represents exactly the kinds of spaces we need to build, nurture and sustain a strong peace movement. The spaces and opportunities IIPE provided helped me form relationships that will keep bearing fruit for many, many years. It was a truly memorable and enriching experience.

I came to know about IIPE through Rajib Timalsina who was one of the local organizers of the 2024 edition taking place in Nepal. Peace education has been a part of our program at GIZ Civil Peace Service (GIZ-CPS) since 2022. Finding myself fairly new to the topic but having to support partners who were venturing into peace education, I thought the institute would be a great opportunity to learn, exchange and brainstorm.

Until I saw the participants embarking from the bus at our program venue, I had no idea about the big, diverse and warm community I had been accepted into. As I got to know the participants, I felt that each participant had so much knowledge, experience and "expertise" to offer. The philosophies of the institute about the group being a support structure was a great unlearning for me, where conferences/institutes had always been places of sharing of one's "expertise" and the accompanying pressures.

The reflection groups also offered a new kind of peace learning space where one could take time to unpack, share and carry forward all that the day had to offer. Our group practiced the reflection circle where each participant's voice was given time, space and consideration. The philosophy of the circle (the circle holds us, non-hierarchy, co-creation of knowledge, sharing lessons but not the identifying details if it is about a person, use of a prop as a talking piece, safety in containment) The second round of resonance that we did in this circle only deepened our connections further. I will be taking this idea back to my team and partners and can already think of applying this in the longer workshops we have.

I have been a peace practitioner for almost five years now and I had been feeling the need to connect my practices with some academics. The plenary presentations provided the space to make these connections (where panelists shared about Freire, Snauwaert, Coates etc.). I now have a rich reading and exploration list on reparations, memorialization, and peace education which might take some time to go through but which can support me while I advise our partners working on the ground.

IIPE has shown me what being in a safe community can feel like. The sense of connectedness and belonging are somethings that I would return to the institute for again and again. The thought, care, and time put into the organization of the institute was truly exemplary. My only regret was that I could not be part of the organizing team, although I hope to be of help in the upcoming editions to be organized in Nepal.

IIPE Nepal is the 8th gathering I have attended, and it was a predictably fantastic experience! The IIPE format is unique because it requires ongoing, deep participation and collective reflection on the urgent themes of peace education.  This profound cross-referencing and community building make it possible to "practice what we preach" and become the peace we strive to create in the world.  Being together as a tribe of peacebuilders made it feel as if we were in a moral force field, and this also helped to strengthen our individual peace projects.  My own pedagogy as a university professor and founding member of our Peace Studies Institute has been significantly enhanced by learning about the work of others around the globe.   I am so grateful for this multidimensional and inspirational  learning experience which restores my hope for our troubled world.

Doing peace education can feel rather lonely. Confronting daily with the horrible things that homo sapiens have done to themselves and other beings on this planet, this vocation can lead us down the spiral of empathic despair. The week-long IIPE experience has been nourishing for my soul. i feel rejuvenated, and i KNOW that i do have a tribe of fellow educators whose ikigai is educating for peace.

i am writing this testimonial only five days after IIPE 2024 so the too many key take-away points to list have yet to be processed, let alone followed up on and internalised. The sharing-learning that we did cannot be described in words. There is one key learning for personal/professional growth that i can mention: i arrived wanting to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the environmental dimension of peace-building (i have been studying and facilitating conversations on the inner and social dimensions). IIPE 2024 has allowed me to do this. Because of one workshop specifically, today i begin an 8-week long training on a web-based app (EN-Roads) that i can use for exploring the intersection of environment and peace-building.

A deep heartfelt thank you to the organizers of IIPE. Your commitment to the cause of educating for non-violence and harmony is EXTREMELY appreciated.

Participating in IIPE 2026 was a truly transformative experience. As the only participant from Ukraine, I had the opportunity not only to learn from inspiring educators and peacebuilders from around the world but also to share the realities of working with communities and educators during war.

IIPE reminded me that peace education is not only about theory—it is about building relationships, creating spaces of trust, and supporting communities through difficult times. I returned home with new ideas, meaningful friendships, and renewed energy for our work in Ukraine. I am deeply grateful to the IIPE community for its warmth, openness, and genuine care for every participant.

My inspiration on IIPE
„The paths of peace are like cobblestones. They are composed of many pebbles, because the human being is also made up of differences. There are several ways when a person grows spiritually, namely: by meeting other people, listening to nature, traveling, and that’s where I find beauty. A human being asserts itself as a being through communication, empathy and thought, and that’s where I find ideals. Human greatness is measured by selflessness, care and sacrifice and that makes sense to me. And the universe is woven of harmony, similar and different, everyone has a place and a role. He who gives has an open hand in that hand and a new supply comes from the Universe. Building peace  requires: COURAGE, CRITICAL THINKING and GETTING OUT OF THE NATIONAL COMFORT ZONE, there are no simple answers, but there are wise solution. Reaching your inner peace and peace with others goes through the process of getting to know yourself and realizing that we are all part of one Divine tapestry.“
I believe that this education will contribute to an easier and better step for me, in the personal and professional path of building peace.
* For the past 15 years, I have been active in several organizations, I applied to Your program as a student of Interreligious Studies and Peacebuilding at the University of Sarajevo. I was the founder and president of the Kladanj Youth Circle for 10 years, I also founded the Kladanj Municipality Youth Council and was president for 3 years. I have expert knowledge of youth policy, delinquency prevention and project management. Due to my job at the UN agency IOM, I had to withdraw from an active run NGO, so as a student I participated in seminars and led some informal groups of women and young people. In 2018, I designed the project: Women Inspired by the Universe, where I brought together artists and women of different identities who feel spirituality as an important part of identity. Together we had seminars on spirituality, art as healing therapy, and Bosnian tradition. As a result of our association, we published two books by women artists and presented their works and biographies. Since the beginning of August 2024, I am not working for the UN IOM, so I plan to found an organization for peace building and I also have several job offers for some peace organizations.

I was introduced to IIPE by a colleague back in 2003. Subsequently we hosted IIPE the following year and I participated in IIPE until I switched from running a program on civic participation at the university level to a social enterprise for women. I had missed the solidarity of IIPE and being with like-minded people; I had to change my own mind set to remind myself that IIPE is a platform for a wide array of grassroots movements/players. Some of what I learned in workshops help me in my own work - ie, non-violent communication for one, being reminded of different ways to look at peace.  Being part of a global structure whose members believe positive change is possible and whose participants are working towards that goal energizes me to keep going when I feel hope is fading away.

I came to IIPE as an active educator seeking a wider global community. I live in a small island country so global community is really important as we are not isolated but deeply engaged with the world. As Ireland was and in many ways is a profoundly colonised country solidarity with those who have similar experience is so important. We face the challenges of violence, militarism and climate crisis wherever we live so peace educators need to share  knowledge and experience and learn from each other. IIPE provides a community of learning and sharing that is unique as everyone contributes. I have attended three IIPE gatherings and learnt so much, making new friends and building real solidarity. The learning has been practical but also with strong theoretical foundations that allow you to delve deeper into the themes. There are also embodied dimensions which help educators to inhabit the learning experience. Applying the learning to my own context happens over time and the contacts with other remain part of this application. As an activist educator I always work with others and we may differ in approach while working for the same goals. IIPE presents an opportunity to both talk the talk and walk the walk so it’s an ongoing open process that implies a lifelong experience. The challenges we face are so serious that we have to  constantly renew our  commitment and activise our hope. IIPE provides the space and inspiration to support comprehensive peace education with potential to make a real difference.

I was very inspired to attend the IIPE Granada. I was in Nepal for the last edition and the experience was very meaninful to me. The pedagogical approach, the themes, organization, participants and the board are very inspiring people, the kind of human beings I wish I could be arounfd and learn with them all the time. I wrote a long testimony of how was my experience was in both occasions and the energy and inspiration of these meetings were really important to me and to my work as a peace educator in Brazil. I wish to be in all future IIPE and learn continuously from such brillant, compassionate and empathic community. I feel very blessed and privileged person for the opportuniy to be among you all.

IIPE ha sido una experiencia maravillosa que me ha brindado la oportunidad de conectar con una comunidad de facilitadores en temas de paz/paces esto me hace sentir que pertenezco a una familia con un interés en común, de aportar un poco al mejoramiento de la sociedad. Estar en el IIPE me permitió aprender de otrxs profesionales, conocer sus perspectivas, sus metodologías y propuestas didácticas. Ha sido muy significativo para mí estar aquí, me renueva y me conecta con seres increíbles que admiro y de quienes aprendo mucho y lo mejor es que podemos unir esfuerzos para crear proyectos y ampliar nuestras iniciativas, gracias.

Each IIPE is unique, because each IIPE is profoundly shaped by the place, persons, time, and theme it brings together. Together, participants in the IIPE boldly bear witness to the truth that peace is possible. We learn that the possibility of peace is a true hope, rather than a false one, because we live it. We co-create it! Participants in the IIPE return home strengthened, energized, and more realistic, nurturing within ourselves the possibility for peace that we planted by experiencing it together.

This was my first experience at IIPE. I was looking for a web of people to connect with in the field of peace education and what struck me from the beginning was that they had announced a Freierean approach where we would all be edu-learners. I stepped into this, tired of being at conferences where certain people hold the microphone as experts and others try to gain access to them and their sphere of influence. I needed something else and I was certainly not disappointed.
This one-week gathering was a place to sincerely connect with humans in peace education to think and feel together, to respectfully meet and find resonance in each other, as well as question ourselves and one another in constructive ways. People came from many different backgrounds and had the shared goal of contributing to a more peaceful world in concrete ways, following this year's theme Intercultural Crossroads for Global Dialogue & Peacelearning. The theme was great to let peace education approaches dialog with one another and beyond this, relate them to pressing topics such as climate crisis, mental health, community wellbeing transnational learning, and many more.
Everyone contributed something (usually a workshop or presentation). There was space for exchanging work formally and informally, for thinking together, for processing in smaller groups, for emotional and artistic expression, for applying, experimenting. I am very grateful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone who feels drawn to an open, caring and bright community in the field of peace education.

Fue una gran experiencia participar en IIPE, me permitió conocer otras formas de hacer educación para la paz y del trabajo de otras personas en otras parte del mundo y de mi país.

Particularmente lo que me llevó a participar fue poder aprender y aplicar nuevas metodologías al trabajo que realizo en mi organización. Gracias por la oportunidad de conocerles y por el esfuerzo de reunir a tantas personas que a través de su trabajo hacen grandes esfuerzos por crear una cultura de paz. Gracias también por compartir el gran trabajo que hacen en todo el mundo tan convulso.

Abrazo grande.