Warming Hearts with Peace: IPYG’s Global Volunteer Activities in Namibia, South Asia, and the Philippines

In many parts of the world, young people are not just talking about peace—they’re making it happen through action. The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an affiliate of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), is uniting youth worldwide to build peace in practical, heartfelt ways.

From bringing Christmas joy to underprivileged children in Namibia, to promoting peace education in South Asia, and organizing community-building in the Philippines, IPYG continues to deliver on its mission: youth leading change.

A Christmas of Compassion: Reaching Children in Namibia’s Havana Region

On December 16, 2023, IPYG Namibia, in collaboration with the Rob Youth Foundation, hosted a meaningful Christmas event at a charitable orphanage in Havana—one of the most impoverished communities in Windhoek, Namibia.

Life in Havana is marked by a lack of basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, and proper housing. In this difficult setting, approximately 450 children, volunteers, and local residents came together to celebrate the holiday with joy and warmth. The event featured games, art activities, face painting, and shared meals, bringing smiles and cherished memories to children who often go without.

Robert Maseka, founder of the Rob Youth Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for IPYG’s involvement, and voiced hope for continued partnerships to support vulnerable children. This was not their first collaboration—back in September, the two organizations held a clean-up campaign near Katutura State Hospital, engaging both locals and police officers.

These small yet powerful acts of kindness demonstrate the spirit of peace in action: restoring dignity, joy, and hope to underserved communities.

Empowering the Next Generation: Volunteer Education in India and Bangladesh

Marking the UN’s International Volunteer Day on December 5, 2023, IPYG expanded its impact through education-focused peace activities in India and Bangladesh.

In India’s West Bengal and Manipur regions, over 170 students participated in the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC), organized by IPYG and local NGO SPAR (Social Participation and Reflection). These interactive lessons emphasized communication, tolerance, and civic responsibility—equipping young people to become peacebuilders in their own communities.

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Center for Communication and Development (CCD) partnered with IPYG to hold a peace photo exhibition at the University of Rajshahi. The exhibit encouraged students to reflect on what peace means in their lives and inspired them to think critically about conflict prevention and coexistence.

Through education, IPYG is planting seeds of peace across South Asia, showing that knowledge and empathy are key tools for building a better world.

Growing Together: A New Peace Partnership in the Philippines

In Cotabato, Philippines, the Kutawato Greenland Initiative (KGI)—a local NGO committed to environmental sustainability and peace—officially joined IPYG in 2023. Although they’ve been working together since 2016, this new membership marks a deeper alignment in their peacebuilding goals.

In December 2023, during Mindanao Peace Week, KGI organized a large-scale peace walk under the banner “Peace Comes Home through Harmony and Solidarity.” Over 300 citizens, including soldiers, joined the event, which was held in a location once known for military conflict.

This event was part of the work of Mindanao’s Youth Empowerment Peace Working Group (YEPW), composed of youth leaders, religious representatives, and civil society members. Together, they aim to overcome the lingering scars of conflict through unity and cooperation.

KGI’s founder, Danilo Moksin, shared a powerful message:

“Though our world is full of conflict, let us unite to build the foundation of peace. Let us replace weapons with dialogue. Promote understanding, respect, and kindness. Let us nurture peace at home, in schools, and in our communities. Together, we can create a better world.”

Youth at the Heart of Global Peace

Through volunteer service, education, and cross-border cooperation, IPYG is demonstrating what it means to live out the spirit of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)—not just through policies, but through people.

Whether it's painting a child’s face in Namibia or marching side by side in the Philippines, these actions speak louder than words. Peace, after all, is built through compassion, shared effort, and a vision that connects us all.

With Chairman Man Hee Lee’s guidance and HWPL’s global network, youth are proving that peace is not just a dream—it's something we can create together.

We are one. Let’s build peace with our hands and hearts.