Can you summarize your role/job at the Peace Village?
My name is Steven Leenkegt. I am the educational manager at Peace Village. My primary responsibility is developing and managing the educational activities and workshops in our hostel, all of which are centered around the theme of ‘peace.’ I oversee our existing workshops and create new ones. Additionally, I organize events for our guests and the local community in the Ypres Salient.
Together with Sally (Manager), I serve as the liaison for other organizations and city councils, ensuring we maintain strong connections with all stakeholders in the Ypres Salient.
Peace Village is actively involved in various projects. I pitch new project ideas, find partners, and secure resources to bring these projects to fruition.
Our primary guests are school groups from the U.K., but we also host schools from Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, as well as sports teams, athletes, music groups, cyclists, backpackers, youth camps, … . My goal as the educational manager is to ensure we cater to the needs of all these diverse groups.
A part of my role includes managing the PR for Peace Village. I handle our social media presence, create promotional materials (flyers, posters, etc.), and represent us at relevant fairs in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the U.K.. I also manage our website.
What is the best part about your job and why?
The best part of my job is promoting the idea of peace in the present, and future. It’s a wonderful, versatile, and impactful theme that contributes to a better world. It makes my work truly meaningful and fulfilling.
What memories do you think visitors to the Peace Games take back home, and what kind of messages do they leave in the visitor’s book?
As I am new to Peace Village, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to participate in the Peace Games. However, I believe that the themes of war and peace, which are prevalent in our media, leave a lasting impression on the children. The significance of peace is likely discussed in classrooms, and working on peace with children from around the world is a profoundly intense and meaningful experience.
The Peace Village and The CFA continue to inspire young peacemakers for the future through the Peace Fields Projects, Global Peace Games, and International Day of Peace. How difficult is it to generate funding for these projects, and why is finding funding so important?
Securing funding for projects centered around the theme of peace is sometimes challenging. The theme is broad, with many possibilities and angles to explore. Demonstrating a return on investment in the short term is not always easy, making it difficult to secure funding for long-term goals. Despite this, everyone agrees on the importance of teaching children about peace. It should always be given high priority.
What would you like to see The Peace Village achieve in the next 10 years?
In the next ten years, we aim to grow as a group accommodation focused on peace and the remembrance of soldiers of the First World War. We want to continue offering educational stays for schools, where students can engage with themes such as peace, commemoration, and the stories of soldiers from World War One. We hope to further create opportunities for learning outside the classroom and help create many fond memories. We off course aim to keep investing in peacekeeping projects and remain strong advocates of peace in the broadest sense.
For more information about The Peace Village click on: http://www.peacevillage.be/