A Celebration of Peace Through Play Festival is successful when it effectively engages games, music, arts, food, poetry and community interaction to foster understanding, unity and fun among diverse groups of young and older people.
“Peace Education Through Play connects the importance of games and sports with the values of friendships. Stories of the 1914 First World War Christmas truces illustrate that in times of horror, mankind reverts to childhood to escape reality and recall happier times through play.”
A Clear Purpose & Vision:
Peace as the core theme. Every activity should reinforce messages of nonviolence, cohesion, empathy and shared humanity. All Peace Through Play Festivals are fun.
All Inclusive: Welcoming all ages, mixed gender, mixed ability, cultures and backgrounds
Inclusive:
Empower young people to get involved in producing the Festival.
Games that require teamwork. Creative expression: Arts, music, dance and storytelling that explore peace.
Communities within communities:
Involve schools, non-profits, cultural groups, clubs and teams.
Dialogue: Include opportunities to exhibit moments of reflection, story-telling and examples of conflict resolution, celebrating peace.
Diversity:
Celebrate Global Traditions. Shared learning commemorating wars and celebrating peace.
Multilingual. Mindful of languages and signs to support a warm welcome.
Environment:
Safe welcoming space: friendly atmosphere with calm zones, friendly volunteers and visible support.
Access for all: special needs and members of the community with pets.
Legacy:
Twinning a designated area of play with Flanders Peace Pitch, Flanders Peace Field site of the First World War 1914 Christmas truces.
Link the Festival with ongoing annual peace events
