Established in 2011, A New Day Social Work Group (AND) is Play for Peace’s club in Vietnam. AND has worked with a variety of communities, including children in rural areas, where many struggle with social issues. Currently the group is working on a new project to teach life skills to 100 vulnerable children.

In 1998, Play for Peace officially became a registered organization in the United States. Join us virtually for a Facebook live celebration on September 17 to share stories and messages, get to know our founders and supporters, and learn about Play for Peace's vision for the next 20 years.

The 6th annual World Peace Day 5K is around the corner! Join us on September 29, 2018, for a 5K run, tons an international food festival, family friendly activities, and more. Plus, this year we'll have a LIVE animal show—space is limited so register now! 

Play for Peace trainer Vijay works with one of the most ostracized societies in India, the Dalit. A Dalit himself, he understands the need to empower his community using Play for Peace. Learn about his work with Dalit children and youth and his recent effort to open a library featuring Dalit authors.

Trainer Richard Delos Reyes and his team of youth leaders in Cebu work to instill leadership in the youth there and teach responsible voting. Recently their club conducted a forum where young voters could listen to different platforms and promote an honest and orderly election. 

When Play for Peace's development officer visited our club at a refugee camp in Musselkanaal, Holland, she met with a very special mentor named Roel. Not only has he supported Play for Peace and brought it to the camp, but he’s done it with laughter and compassion that is contagious. 

The 36-year-long civil war left many Guatemalan communities deeply scarred. Despite this, for 18 years Play for Peace Guatemala has empowered youth leaders to create thriving communities that invite everyone to work together toward peace. Here are a few stories from volunteers who've used the power of play to create laughter, compassion, and peace for children and youth in Guatemala.

When Play for Peace Trainer Rita Nguyen visited our club in Kathmandu, Nepal, she met passionate, energetic youth leaders working hard to create a thriving community. Find out more about her experience and the dedicated members of the GPYC.

As the Play for Peace Southeast Asia Regional Coordinator, Archana Magar uses her skills and persistence to build and strengthen her community. As an experiential educator, she has been working with Play for Peace for the past ten years.

It’s always an eye-opening experience to visit with our clubs in the field. Last month, Play for Peace development officer Katrin Hünemörder spent some time with our club in Costa Rica. Learn about the community of La Carpio, the biggest slum in Costa Rica and her encounter with mentors Diego and Fernando and the many children and youth participating in peace sessions on a regular basis.

When Guatemala's Volcano Fuego erupted on June 3, hundreds of people were killed instantly and thousands of homes were demolished. Play for Peace youth leaders were among the first to lend a hand, working in shelters and providing emotional support to victims. In order to continue this work, Play for Peace Guatemala needs your support. Learn more and donate now to support victims affected by this devastating eruption.

On June 9, Play for Peace Sudan cofounder Riya Yuyuda presented at the first-ever TEDx event at the Kakuma refugee camp in northwest Kenya. She spoke passionately about her work at the camp, as well as about her own experience as a refugee who fled South Sudan due to ongoing violence and war.

The Dipi Dipi Dappe (3D) White Feathers club was founded on the notion that play and creating a neutral environment is essential to spreading peace in displaced communities in Sri Lanka. Find out how the group came to be and the important work it has done with communities affected by disaster, youth who've experienced trauma, and children with disabilities. 

The Jagran Club in India recently received Play for Peace certified trainers Swati and Agyat, who closely worked with Sahil Balmiki and taught him how to conduct play sessions and how to interact with younger children through these activities.

The Jagran Club brings hope to children in its community. This hope is not an outcome of just words, but of very devoted and unconditional work. Jagran operates under its motto, “Work, Not Words” and continues to change the lives of children throughout India.

Francisco Hueyatl León is a facilitator with Play for Peace Mexico City. An artist and educator, he graciously agreed to sit down with us to talk about the work he is doing with his community in Mexico City. Read on for the interview.

Amid ongoing violence and conflict between Israel and Palestine, Play for Peace mentor Sa'eed Diabat is working toward peace. Organizing a special two-day interfaith training among Muslim, Christian, and Druze leaders, his group worked to ignite cooperation and create friendship despite their differences.

When the civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2009, ten-year-old Ani not only lost his father but he also saw more death and destruction than any child ever should. Instead of feeling resentment, Ani became a peace builder in his community, and today trains with Play for Peace to create friendships across divides.

In partnership with Compassion Games, Play for Peace has organized activities for Earth Week—a nine-day global challenge from April 14-22—to inspire acts of love, service, and compassion toward Mother Earth.

While traveling in India, Elisa Huang had the opportunity to work with Play for Peace as a physical activity trainer. In 2017, Elisa traveled to South Africa, where she volunteered with Surfshack Outreach. She quickly saw several similarities between the two.