"The kids loved it! It is amazing to be able to connect with new friends who live so far away." - Curtis Garret, Denver Parks & Rec Coordinator
We have been hosting Play for Peace Club online global exchange events since 2013. To date, we have hosted over 30 exchanges between Play for Peace Clubs from 10 different countries around the world. During each exchange, our youth facilitators share stories of the Play for Peace activities they lead in their community as well as learn about cultures in different countries. The global exchange program inspires our youth groups to continue volunteering to bring peace and social justice to their communities while connecting with young peacebuilders from around the world and making friendships across borders.
Our first global exchange in 2016 took place on 8th March between Denver, USA, and Palencia, Guatemala Clubs. Two Play for Peace Clubs began last year at Schmitt and Knapp Elementary schools in Denver in partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation. Our Guatemala Play for Peace Palencia Club has been involved with Play for Peace since 2012. There were over 15 kids on the call, and while the ages were quite different (16-24 years old in Guatemala and 9-10 years old in Denver), they did share speaking Spanish. They began by doing the Play for Peace chant/ritual together and then they each shared and played one of their favorite Play for Peace activities. They asked each other questions about what they learned or values they experienced from each activity. They shared their names and why they were in Play for Peace. There were more lighthearted questions as well; Do you have superpowers?
What do you like to do for fun on the weekends?
At the end of the call, kids from both sides were curious to know more about each other's country, the conflict they face regularly, and how Play for Peace activities help them. We look forward to continuing the conversation! We deeply appreciate Curtis Garrett, Recreation Coordinator at Denver Parks and Recs, and Shannon Whitmer, Afterschool Coordinator and Play for Peace Mentor at Schmitt Elementary School for helping us bring this opportunity to the students.
Play for Peace Community! Sign up HERE to book your Play for Peace Club exchange today. After participating in 3 Club exchanges, you will receive a Play for Peace banner to use during your local Practice Peace Sessions.