Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has worked since 2009 to build models of peacebuilding around the world. This has connected people across race, nationality, religion, and social divides to recognize shared values and invest in a future together. This is what it means to really embody the vision of One Family under God.
A project by GPF India called the SMILE program demonstrates this peacebuilding model. By providing a platform for youth to break past traditional identities of religion and caste, the program helps them affirm their common humanity through education and engaging group activities.
Global Peace Foundation India’s SMILE initiative brings together parents, children, and mentors in the community to engage in activities that uplift the family and promotes community service. SMILE is designed to educate young people in setting examples of compassion, love, and kindness across different segments of society.
In June, GPF India brought together twenty-three underprivileged children from the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center and provided them with an opportunity to visit the renowned National Science Centre in New Delhi. The field trip aimed to broaden their horizons and spark curiosity about science and technology.
The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center, located in Karawal Nagar, a low-income neighborhood, caters to children who face socio-economic challenges. Many of them come from families that struggle to make ends meet. The center strives to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to empower young minds and brighten their future.
Accompanied by teachers and volunteers, the enthusiastic group embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery at the National Science Centre. The museum, known for its interactive exhibits and engaging displays, proved to be an ideal platform for these kids to delve into the fascinating world of science.
The students eagerly participated in various hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations, gaining valuable insights into scientific principles. From learning about space exploration and astronomy to discovering the wonders of physics and biology, the young visitors were captivated by the immersive learning experiences offered by the museum.
It was their first time stepping into a science museum of this magnitude. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they explored the exhibits and experimented with the interactive displays. The field trip not only provided them with exposure to a world beyond their immediate surroundings but also instilled a sense of wonder and ignited their passion for learning.
GPF India was grateful to partner with the National Science Centre to provide such an immersive experience for the students. Such experiences play a vital role in shaping the educational journey of the underprivileged, exposing them to new possibilities and inspiring them to dream big.
This heartening initiative serves as a reminder of the power of education and community support in creating equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. By nurturing curiosity and expanding our horizons, we pave the way for a brighter future where every child can realize their full potential.
The SMILE Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Learning Center hopes to continue collaborating with various institutions and organizations to provide enriching experiences for the students, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a better tomorrow.
The original post appears on Global Peace Foundation. Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peace building models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.