One Step Closer to Peace: From Australia’s Classrooms to Interfaith Dialogue Around the World

In an era marked by division, HWPL continues to sow the seeds of unity through peace education and interreligious dialogue. As the world struggles with ongoing conflicts, HWPL’s programs are proving that understanding, respect, and education can transform lives across continents—from high school classrooms in Australia to reconciliation gatherings in Côte d’Ivoire, and online dialogues with Islamic leaders around the world.

Peace in Practice: Australian Students Embrace HWPL’s Vision

In Victoria, Australia, the spirit of peace found new ground among the 8th-grade students of St. Albans Secondary College. From July 16 to August 14, 2024, HWPL’s Victoria branch, in collaboration with local partner ARK VIC, successfully hosted a 20-session peace education workshop that integrated physical education, teamwork, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.

The impact was tangible.

“We saw real changes in our students,” said Vice Principal Janet McKenzie. “They became more confident and more willing to communicate with each other.”

Educators praised the innovative blend of sports and peace education. PE teacher Simon Lynch noted,

“The workshop gave us a new perspective on our curriculum. Students developed leadership and critical thinking—alongside respect and cooperation.”

With over 180 students participating, this workshop has been hailed as a model for peace education across Victoria. The success not only encouraged future expansion but also demonstrated the power of structured, value-based education in shaping youth as peacebuilders.

Unity in Diversity: Peace Dialogue in Côte d’Ivoire

HWPL’s work goes beyond classrooms. On August 22, 2024, the city of Kohogo, Côte d’Ivoire, hosted a special event titled “Dialogue on Ethnic Diversity and Harmony”. Bringing together local leaders, religious figures, civic groups, and city officials, the event sought to address deep-rooted ethnic tensions that have threatened peace despite the formal end of civil war.

“Social harmony and peace must transcend ethnic boundaries,” stated Deputy Mayor Parassogo Coulibaly, pledging full city support for HWPL’s peace-building initiatives.

The event is part of HWPL’s broader strategy to foster interethnic reconciliation, with plans to replicate the model in other cities like Boukan Da, Yamoussoukro, and Bangolo. Agreements (MOUs) with local governments are also in the works to institutionalize ongoing peace policy and dialogue frameworks.

Interfaith Understanding: The Launch of the Islamic Peace Academy

On June 29, 2024, HWPL launched its first Islamic Peace Academy (IIPA) session online, drawing over 180 Islamic religious leaders from 52 countries. The topic? “Surah 75: Al-Qiyamah (The Day of Resurrection)”—a subject chosen for its deep theological significance and wide appeal across Sunni, Shia, and Sufi traditions.

What made this event exceptional was its diversity of voices. Panelists included:

• Daoud Olalekan Situ (Sunni) from Nigeria

• Khaled Hassan Mohammed Said (Sunni) from Egypt

• Walid Al-Baz (Shia) from Iraq

• Haji Syed Salman Chishti (Sufi) from India

Each speaker offered unique insights on the spiritual significance of resurrection and the responsibilities of religious leaders in times of global uncertainty.

Participants praised HWPL for creating a safe space for cross-sectarian learning and reflection.

“This was a moment of deep self-reflection,” said Ibrima Bah Tangi, a peace activist from The Gambia. “It gave me the conviction to amplify my efforts for peace.”

“IIPA is a vital program,” said Mufti Akbal Hashmi, founder of Islah-e-Mushira. “It brings us together as one family of faith and helps us understand each other beyond our differences.”

A Global Movement Rooted in Action

Whether in a sports hall in Melbourne, a city hall in West Africa, or a digital forum for Islamic scholarship, HWPL’s vision remains the same: Peace through dialogue, education, and mutual respect.

The message resonates clearly across all borders:
Peace is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of understanding.

Source: https://vo.la/WOUjzI