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FROM CONFLICT TO COMPASSION

Support young leaders to create more laughter, peace and compassion.


Right now 2 billion people live in countries in conflict, including 1 in 6 children.

Violent conflict prevents growth and development. However, promoting peace in areas at risk for or experiencing violent conflict is both effective and economically viable: For every $1 invested in peace building, there is a potential $16 reduction in the cost of armed conflict.

"When we consider the costs of war -- to the global economy but most of all to humanity's very soul -- peacebuilding is a bargain, and a prerequisite for development and a better future for all," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

As a grassroots, global organization, Play for Peace has been driving personal and community power-building and positive change in high-violence environments for over 25 years, supporting generations of active peace builders at the local level.

Developing Local Leaders Catalyzes Change

Play for Peace is integrated into schools, community centers, refugee camps and/or local organizations, where local youth leaders are trained to conduct "Practice Peace" cooperative play sessions for younger children and community building projects that benefit entire neighborhoods.

Get Involved

There are many ways you can positively impact thousands of children and teens, all of who dream of a life without fear of violence and discrimination. Will you join us?

Volunteer locally
or online.

Make your dollars
impact lives.

Bring Play for Peace
to your community.

Our Locations

Any time, day or night, Play for Peace is happening somewhere in the world. In 60+ communities around the globe—each with its own diverse characteristics, talents, and resources—our work is transforming lives, all while bringing richness and creativity to our diverse global learning community.

Click on each of the countries to learn about its unique challenges and our ongoing efforts to create peace.

Compassion + Connection + Community

Read our blog and be inspired.
Share and spread the word.
  • Apr 2, 2024

    Today, on Autism Awareness Day, I share a piece of my heart and journey with you. As a parent of an autistic child and the director of Play for Peace, I've learned invaluable lessons about love, patience, and understanding beyond words. From realizing the depth of non-verbal communication to embracing the beauty of stimming and appreciating the grace in processing time, my journey has been one of profound growth and connection. 

  • Mar 30, 2024

    All day I tried to keep up with Alice. It is not easy, Alice walks very fast and is present in many places at once and with every person. She is very attentive. She asks everyone "How are you?" but these are not empty words. She looks deep into their eyes and they answer with the truth, a truth that is not always easy. She is a Lead Teacher for  Social Emotional Learning in Cambridge. Primarily, she works with children with trauma and mental health problems. When she started, she was alone with 7,000 children. 

  • Mar 5, 2024

    In all these years of Play for Peace in Guatemala, we have shared with many organizations, communities, and people who know that this works to achieve changes for peace and a more just world. Abel Erim Aldana has been part of this community since 2008 implementing our work model in his community, Abel is a leader in favor of violence prevention at heart, he lives in one of the most difficult areas of the capital Guatemala.