By Francisco Vila, Head of Programs at Arigatou International – Geneva
Several years ago, during an interreligious conflict transformation training workshop, I had a powerful experience that transformed my understanding of what it truly means to live together in peace. After one of the sessions, a group of us, Christians, Jews and Muslims, sat together for dinner. As we began to share stories about our religious customs, we quickly discovered that we had far more in common than we had imagined. That simple act of sharing a meal became the starting point of a deeper journey.
As we commemorate International Day of Living Together, we must recognize that, unfortunately, we live in a world fractured by conflict, inequality and indifference, marked by a troubling rise in polarization, discrimination and hate speech. A world in which protracted conflicts have reignited, and new ones continue to emerge. These crises tear apart communities and deeply affect our children across the globe. In this context, the International Day of Living Together in Peace invites us to reflect deeply on how we relate to one another and what kind of world we are building. Promoting peace today cannot rely merely on cooperation; it must be rooted in a profoundly human and spiritual commitment, one that is lived out through a genuine culture of encounter.
Living together in peace calls for more than simply promoting tolerance. It requires the courage to engage with those who are different from us, to learn from one another, and to build shared understanding. The Culture of Encounter, as envisioned by Pope Francis, is not a passive ideal but an active process of reaching across boundaries. It creates space for meaningful intercultural, interreligious and intergenerational dialogue, where we move beyond coexistence toward mutual transformation. In these encounters, we do not erase our differences but allow them to become sources of learning, empathy and growth. This kind of dialogue is essential in nurturing societies that are not only peaceful but also inclusive, just and deeply respectful of human rights.
This takes me back to that dinner where I experienced the power of such an encounter. Over time, the group built relationships strong enough to hold space for the more difficult conversations, including those about the conflict in the Middle East. What began with curiosity and openness grew into trust, and even today, as the conflict reaches new depths, we continue to walk together in our shared commitment to dialogue, understanding and peace.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” That is why it is essential to promote ethics education with an interreligious and intercultural approach, one that creates spaces where children and young people can encounter one another across lines of difference. When they are given the opportunity to reflect on their values, learn about other worldviews, and engage with diverse perspectives in a safe and respectful environment, they begin to see others not as threats but as fellow human beings with hopes, fears and dignity. Ethics education fosters critical thinking, empathy and a sense of shared responsibility. It prepares the next generation not only to coexist but to collaborate, transforming diversity from a dividing line into a source of strength and unity.
The future of peace rests not on grand declarations alone, but on ordinary people choosing to live with extraordinary love. On this day, let us renew our commitment to live not just beside one another, but truly with one another. This means building relationships across religious and cultural differences, and working together to promote, through ethics education, a Culture of Encounter that builds a more peaceful and inclusive world. Yes, peace can begin with a great speech or a signed agreement. But sometimes… peace begins with a simple dinner.
In Brazil, the implementation of the Toolkit on Nurturing Values and Spirituality in Early Childhood has created a meaningful impact not only on parents, caregivers, and children but also on the trainers and facilitators involved. At Pastoral da Criança, the Toolkit has become a transformative force, reshaping the way the organization supports families and helping to break harmful cycles of violence by promoting the spiritual development of children.
Developed by the Consortium on Nurturing Values and Spirituality in Early Childhood for the Prevention of Violence, the Toolkit was adopted by Pastoral da Criança to foster a more compassionate and respectful environment in the families. Both facilitators and participants left the workshops feeling empowered to apply its principles in their daily interactions with children.
One such facilitator, Priscila do Rocio Costa, recalls with a bright smile the story of a mother who, after completing the sessions, was able to break the cycle of violence rooted in her own childhood trauma. Through discussions centered on children’s dignity and the importance of nurturing, respectful, and open communication, this mother experienced a profound shift in her understanding of discipline. “Before, she believed that to discipline her son or daughter, she needed to spank them, to hit them. That was her understanding based on her own childhood. So, over the course of the meetings, especially toward the end, she shared that she no longer spanked. She would take a breath, talk with her husband, call the children, and have conversations,” Priscila shared.
This change marked not only a new way of disciplining, but also a deeper understanding of herself as a parent. The Toolkit helped her break the intergenerational cycle of violence, adopting a more peaceful, empathetic way to address conflict and guide her children’s development.
Another mother had a similar experience. She was struggling with her youngest son, who frequently threw tantrums and acted out. Before the Toolkit, her response was often violent. The sessions, however, helped her reconnect with herself, not just as a mother, but as an individual. “The project came right during this phase of his, and it helped me a lot to get to know myself as a person, as a mother, and to know how to handle situations where I felt desperate or in conflict with him,” she explained.
Throughout the sessions, she gained the tools and skills to better navigate moments of desperation and conflict, learning to stay calm and reflect before reacting. Over time, both she and her son became more peaceful. Her journey demonstrates how the Toolkit not only transforms parenting practices but also has a direct impact on children’s emotional well-being.
Facilitators themselves also experienced personal and professional growth. Josete Valim, described how the training reshaped her interactions with the families she works with at Pastoral. She now feels more confident and better equipped to support mothers in navigating challenges with their children. The training helped her approach families with more empathy and respect, creating an environment where parents feel safe sharing sensitive personal experiences. This understanding of their backgrounds allows her to help parents uncover the roots of their behavior and rebuild healthier, more trusting relationships with their children.
The Toolkit’s influence goes beyond individuals, it permeates organizational culture and practice. Maria das Graças Silva Gervásio, Coordinator of Pastoral da Criança, shared that the Toolkit offers more than theory: it provides a practical and experiential approach. “It helps the families, the people who participate directly in the sessions, to see how they behave, how they think, and they begin to change through the process. And as it includes a theoretical approach that can be adapted to reality, it enables not only personal transformation, but this transformation also has an impact on the community, on the family. And I think that is the greatest benefit of this Toolbox, because it enables this social transformation.”
For Maria, the Toolkit has transformed how her organization trains volunteers and engages with families. She is eager to expand its use in other communities, confident that it adds unique value to their work. What she values most, however, is the broader social transformation it enables—a sentiment echoed by Priscila, who shared, “The Toolkit transformed the whole family. The lessons from the meetings were taken home and helped create a welcoming, respectful environment.”
Ultimately, the Toolkit in Brazil is helping to break cycles of violence rooted in childhood trauma. Encouraging parents and caregivers to reflect on the causes and consequences of their actions promotes a different approach, one based on compassion, understanding, and the spiritual nurturing of the child. Its impact is not only personal or familial, but social, offering hope for a more peaceful future.
The Toolkit on Nurturing the Spiritual Development of Children in Early Childhood has had a profound impact in Pakistan since its implementation. Its transformative power shines through the reflections of faith leaders, facilitators, parents, and caregivers, each offering insight into how the Toolkit has positively contributed to their families and communities.
Parents experienced personal growth and deeper connections with their children. Facilitator Alina Afzal was particularly moved by the transformation she observed among widowed mothers. “Often marginalized by society while selflessly dedicating themselves to their children, these women experienced, for the first time, a profound connection with themselves,” she noted. “It gave them a renewed sense of strength and empowerment. They began to recognize their intrinsic value and worth.” Alina believes this awakening will lead to long-lasting benefits for both the women and their children, illustrating the Toolkit’s intergenerational impact.
One mother shared how the training reshaped her relationship with her children. “I now understand how important it is to connect with my children in a compassionate and understanding way,” she said. Previously harsh and distant, she described how the Toolkit helped her recognize the harmful effects of violence and adopt a more nurturing approach. “Now, I speak to them calmly and try to explain things. As a result, they’ve started sharing more with me.”
This mother also spoke about newfound moments of connection, such as playing outside with her children, a simple yet meaningful action that helped build trust. Reflecting on her own growth, she shared, “I didn’t know how to handle things before, but now I feel calm and equipped.”
Faith leaders, too, experienced a shift in mindset. For Naeem ur Rehman, a local religious leader, the Toolkit was a turning point in his understanding of child abuse. “We weren’t paying enough attention to what children go through when they experience abuse,” he admitted. Inspired by the training, Naeem began promoting forgiveness and kindness as alternatives to harsh discipline, aligning his message with the values of his faith.
Naeem has since become an advocate against violence, using his platform to raise awareness in mosques, schools, and the wider community. He encourages parents and caregivers to reflect on their practices and adopt non-violent methods rooted in compassion and religious teachings. The Toolkit empowered him to move from passive observation to active intervention, becoming a voice for change.
For faith leaders like Naeem, the Toolkit offers a valuable framework to address child protection in a way that resonates with their beliefs. It not only supports their work but inspires them to challenge harmful norms and promote nurturing, non-violent parenting.
The Toolkit didn’t just impact children and the participants, but the organization itself. Shahnaz Kausar, Childcare Coordinator at Islamic Relief Pakistan, described the Toolkit as “not only impactful, but essential for every organization working for children.” Her endorsement underscores the Toolkit’s potential to transform the work of all those engaged in child development. “It goes beyond traditional programming,” she shared, “and plays a vital role in the lives of communities, especially those working for the well-being of children.”
Shahnaz also highlighted the inner transformation of children as one of the most remarkable outcomes. Beyond fostering awareness of safeguarding and protection, she and other facilitators observed children developing values like empathy, self-awareness, and compassion. “We witnessed an inner transformation grounded in values, along with the seeds of broader social change,” she explained. These values, deeply rooted in spiritual development, nurture a sense of responsibility and empower children to contribute positively to their communities.
The positive impact of the Toolkit in Pakistan is undeniable. It has contributed to the prevention of violence against children and promoted their holistic well-being, with a particular emphasis on spiritual development. It has helped reshape parenting practices, strengthen family bonds, and empower children to trust and communicate more openly.
Individuals like Alina have found renewed purpose in advocating for child protection. As she powerfully stated, “It is crucial for all of us, as members of society, to speak up against violence and raise awareness. By doing so, we not only strengthen ourselves but also our communities.”
La Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal sale a la calle: ACCU España lanza una campaña de impacto social por el Día Mundial de la EII
“Si hace falta explicarlo, imagina vivirlo”: una iniciativa que traslada la experiencia de convivir con EII al espacio público y digital, generando conciencia y visibilizando a pie de calle
La campaña estará acompañada de diversas acciones, actividades inmersivas y entrevistas que buscarán concienciar a la sociedad durante el mes de mayo.
Con motivo del Día Mundial de la Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal (EII), que se celebra el 19 de mayo, ACCU España (Confederación de Asociaciones de Enfermos de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa) lanza una ambiciosa campaña de dos semanas de duración con el objetivo de visibilizar la realidad de convivir con una EII, combatir el estigma y la desinformación, romper barreras sociales y generar conversación pública y digital.
Mediante vídeos dinámicos y participativos, el periodista y reportero Miguel Martín Puivecino ha salido a la calle para interactuar con transeúntes a través de juegos, retos y preguntas directas sobre la EII y sus múltiples dimensiones, recogiendo reacciones espontáneas y acercando esta patología invisible al conocimiento colectivo.
Cada pieza de vídeo concluye con la intervención de personas con EII, familiares o profesionales sanitarios, quienes ofrecen datos clave, desmontan mitos y aportan evidencias con un mensaje claro; si hace falta explicarlo, imagina vivirlo.
Uno de los formatos más llamativos, el “Reto de la urgencia’’, pone a prueba en tiempo real la dificultad de encontrar un baño accesible ante la urgencia e incontinencia que conlleva la patología. A través de una dinámica de apertura de sobres, este reto simula una de las situaciones más críticas que afrontan diariamente las personas con EII e invita a ponerse en su situación y empatizar.
La campaña fue grabada en las calles y Metro de Madrid junto al reportero y tendrá un lanzamiento progresivo de 12 al 25 de mayo en las redes sociales de ACCU España y en la web www.somosuno.info.
Además de esta acción, este mes de mayo estará repleto de diversas acciones que pondrán el foco directamente en la EII y lo que implica vivir con este diagnóstico. Entre estas actividades podremos encontrar desde entrevistas y artículos en medios de comunicación hasta actividades inmersivas dirigidas a diferentes públicos, con el fin de concienciar a la sociedad sobre esta patología.
La campaña de este año cuenta con el apoyo de GETECCU (Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa) y GETEII (Grupo Enfermero de Trabajo en Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal), la colaboración del Ministerio de Derechos Sociales y Agenda 2030, Abbvie, Alfasigma, Ferring y Pfizer, y el patrocinio de Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, Takeda y Tillots, reafirmando el compromiso conjunto por la sensibilización y visibilidad de la EII.
