The Play for Peace Afghan Initiative
Since 2023, Play for Peace Certified Trainers Swati and Agyat have been working with Jesuit Refugee Service staff in Afghanistan, facilitating workshops focused on experiential education, psychosocial well-being, and cooperative play with educators and leaders in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps. Through engaging activities and reflective learning, participants have developed key facilitation skills while fostering strong community connections. This blog explores the impact of our initiative and our evolving approach in 2025.
Building Capacity Through Play
In our first year, Agyat and Swati conducted ten online sessions, introducing approximately 100 activities along with facilitation techniques and core principles. The goal was to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to lead sessions with youth and children in their communities.
In 2024, the focus shifted to developing facilitators. Participants selected activities from the Kikori and other online sources, took turns leading them, and received constructive feedback. This iterative process refined their ability to create engaging and meaningful play experiences, emphasizing Play for Peace’s core values.
A final self-assessment session allowed participants to reflect on their growth, with results informing the design of the 2025 program.
Key Impacts in 2024
A thematic analysis of the assessment activities highlighted four major areas of impact:
Relationship Building: Participants reported stronger interpersonal connections, with those in Kabul experiencing more extensive community bonding than those in Herat.
Facilitation Skills Development: Confidence in leading activities increased significantly, with a notable number of participants demonstrating high-level facilitation skills.
Emotional Safety and Trust: Participants felt more comfortable expressing emotions and building trust, which translated into stronger personal and professional relationships.
Community and Youth Engagement: Participants recognized the potential of youth clubs in sustaining safe spaces and fostering life skills, while also identifying the need for structured planning to support their success.
Participants Shared That With Play for Peace...
“We understand each other better.”
“Personal relationships have been impacted as the environment has changed, and we have more intimate relationships with colleagues.”
One person said, “initially she was not connected to anyone, but through play, she has built a relationship with another colleague and is now able to trust her completely.”
Expanding the Vision in 2025
This year, our approach has evolved further. Participants are now mentoring and training youth volunteers, following a structured Play for Peace curriculum. This allows us to reach thousands of children, volunteers, and educators. The first session in January established a baseline for progress, and three thematic sessions under the Live Laughter module have already been completed.
The Play for Peace Afghan Initiative has made remarkable strides in empowering facilitators, building trust, and enhancing community engagement. As we move forward in 2025, we remain committed to fostering safe, playful, and transformative experiences that bring people together. Through collaboration, mentorship, and dedicated efforts, we believe that play can be a powerful tool for peace and resilience.
