A Story of Inclusion Through Play

During one ordinary Play for Peace session, Agyatmitra, longtime facilitator and peace educator, started a familiar game: Alive, Alert, Awake. But as the group began to move, he noticed something that made him pause.

A young girl was playing using only one hand.

At first, he thought it was a choice. But gradually, he realized, she only had one hand.

For a moment, doubt crept in. Should I change the game? Should I create a different experience for her?
Instead, he gently adapted the moment, not the rules. And more importantly, he stayed present, watching how she engaged, how she found her own rhythm.

Later, during a conversation with fellow facilitators, a powerful insight emerged:
Inclusion doesn’t always mean changing the rules. It means creating space where everyone can belong with dignity.

Agyat didn’t modify future sessions. He simply continued inviting her to play, always checking in quietly:
“How did that feel?”

Then came the moment that changed everything.

At the final session, when participants facilitated games for children, the girl who once hesitated, now led. Confident, joyful, and fully engaged, she guided others with the same spirit that welcomed her weeks before.

She didn’t just participate.
She became the leader.

This story isn’t about a game. It’s about the power of trust, inclusion, and presence. It’s about what happens when we let people show up as they are and believe in their capacity to shine.

At Play for Peace, we believe inclusion is not about fixing. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating safe, joyful spaces where every child can lead, connect, and grow, just as they are.

Be Part of the Power of Community
This Spring, your support can help create more moments like this. Support inclusive leadership, joy, and healing through play. 👉 Donate or Learn More at playforpeace.org