The Ark Eden Journey: Sowing Seeds of Peace in Hong Kong
A New Chapter for Play for Peace in Hong Kong
This spring, Certified Play for Peace Trainer Nikhil brought the global peace education movement to life in Hong Kong through a two-day immersive workshop hosted by Ark Eden, a long-time partner passionate about sustainability, community, and experiential learning.
The Play for Peace workshop by Vishwas at Ark Eden 2 years ago marked a key milestone in the deepening relationship between Ark Eden and Play for Peace. It was a connection nurtured over the past two years through shared vision, mutual respect, and an unwavering belief in the power of play.
What started as a shared curiosity between Ark Eden and Play for Peace has blossomed into a powerful partnership rooted in compassion, experiential learning, and community resilience. It all began when Jenny, the founder of Ark Eden, saw the resonance of the Play for Peace approach within Ark Eden’s work alongside with Sukriti, an experiential educator and Play for Peace practitioner. Jenny, had also trained with Vishwas through the Deep Course, building a bridge that would eventually welcome Nikhil and the Play for Peace process into their team.
From integrating daily play into Ark Eden’s summer camps to co-facilitating workshops, this journey has now bloomed into a full-fledged collaboration. Ark Eden is officially a Play for Peace partner in Hong Kong, and the recent workshop was a living testament to what happens when values align.
The Heart of the Workshop
Held in the peaceful, green sanctuary of Ark Eden’s eco-education space, the Play for Peace workshop brought together 25–30 participants from all walks of life educators, outdoor and experiential facilitators, counselors, and youth leaders. Ages ranged from 18 to 60, with participants from Hong Kong, India, Europe, the UK, and beyond. This multicultural group represented a vibrant tapestry of stories, cultures, and community work.
One special thread was the presence of participants from RUN, an organization supporting refugees. Together, with Ark Eden mentors and youth, they engaged in powerful experiences that combined play, reflection, and connection.
What Made This Workshop Unique
Hands-On, Heart-Open Learning: Participants didn’t just talk about peacebuilding. They played, laughed, and learned through practice. As one participant shared, “I was initially worried this would be a classroom-style training, but it was active, joyful, and grounded in human connection.”
A Space to Be Themselves: Adults were invited to make mistakes, be silly, and rediscover their creativity. The result? A freeing, affirming environment where participants not only felt safe, but inspired.
Inclusion in Action: On the second day, small groups tackled real-life scenarios, designing inclusive sessions for youth with visual impairments, dyslexia, and more. This empowered participants to adapt and lead with empathy.
Real-World Impact: Just days later, participants from Ark Eden and RUN co-led a successful session with children. For some, it was their first time facilitating and they shined. One even applied the learning back home in India, proving that the ripple effect had already begun.
The Emotional Core: Empathy and Self-Awareness
A follow-up social-emotional growth workshop deepened the experience for 10 participants. Through guided play, personal reflection, and discussions around empathy and emotional triggers, participants explored how to navigate difficult emotions not just in others, but within themselves. As one facilitator emphasized: “Our energy as facilitators shapes the entire experience for those we lead.”
“The Play for Peace workshop was engaging, meaningful, and easy to apply. I’ve already used some games with both youth and adults!” – Manon Mauguen
“It was a truly memorable and transformative experience. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this journey.” – Kannan Ashar
The Road Ahead: Growing Peace in Hong Kong
This is just the beginning. With Ark Eden’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and Play for Peace’s approach to experiential learning and inclusion, this partnership is planting seeds for lasting change in Hong Kong. From refugee communities to youth educators, the shared hope is clear: a future where peace isn’t just an idea, but a lived, playful, and collective experience.
We’re excited to see what comes next. With every connection, every laugh, every shared story, we move closer to a world built on empathy, joy, and community.
Help Us Grow This Movement
You can be part of this transformation. Our Spring Campaign: Power of Community just closed but our mission continues. Help us bring more workshops like this to communities around the world.
👉 Donate today at playforpeace.org/donate
