Peacebuilding with Lighthouse Youth

Exciting news from the Karol Bagh Peace Club in Delhi, India! They recently organized a transformative peace session with the youth of the Lighthouse Communities. This impactful session was designed to foster understanding and empathy among participants through engaging Social Emotional Learning (SEL) activities. Vijay Kumar, along with dedicated volunteers Ritesh, Kasim, and Aman, collaborated to ensure the event’s success and create a meaningful experience for all involved.

Planning and Preparation
Before the session, we gathered crucial information about the participants, such as their age group, gender ratio, and expectations. This helped us tailor the activities to meet their specific needs. We designed a one-hour session packed with engaging activities aimed at building connections and promoting peace.

Energizing the Group
We kicked off the session with an energizer activity, the “8 Step Dance,” to help everyone feel comfortable and ready to participate. Next, we moved on to a name game called “Name Race,” where everyone had fun learning each other’s names, followed by a series of engaging games:

• A Rum Sum Sum

• Fruits/Flower/Vegetable

• O My Chi Chi

• Bolo Bolo Kitne

• House and Tenant

• Commonality

These activities not only created a lively atmosphere but also encouraged teamwork and communication among the participants.

Reflecting on Gender Challenges
One of the most impactful parts of the session was our discussion on gender challenges. We asked the boys to reflect on the biggest challenges faced by girls, and the girls to think about the challenges boys encounter. This led to a deep and thoughtful exchange of perspectives.

The boys spoke about issues like gender discrimination, safety concerns, and societal expectations that often limit girls’ opportunities. Meanwhile, the girls shared their thoughts on the pressures boys face to conform to traditional masculine roles, the expectation to be the primary breadwinner, and the lack of emotional support.

Building Empathy and Understanding
After discussing these challenges, both groups shared their reflections with each other. This exercise was eye-opening, as it highlighted the different yet significant hurdles that both genders face in society. It also fostered a sense of empathy and respect among the participants.

Many of the boys expressed that this experience had shifted their perspective on girls, leading to a newfound respect for the struggles they endure. This realization was a pivotal moment in the session, promoting a more inclusive and understanding community.

Conclusion
Our SEL-focused peace session was a powerful experience for everyone involved. It helped the participants see each other in a new light, breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding. I’m proud of the work we did and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an impactful event.