In counterbalance to the Lockdown Blues, we at Peace Partners have been lucky in that we have been able to deliver The Prem Rawat Foundation’s (TPRF) much vaunted Peace Education Programme through the Zoom platform that many have found so helpful during Lockdown.

Presented as a series of ten themed video workshops, TPRF’s Peace Education Programme is introduced here​ at www.tprf.org, It has been operational globally since 2012. The programme has proven to be a great success, in community organisations, in prisons and other places where people are helped to ‘discover personal peace’ through watching and reflection. Indeed, any individual who wishes to look towards their own personal resources to find such qualities as inner strength and dignity, for example, can benefit from attending this innovative programme.

In order to help communities and individuals to cope with the strictures of Lockdown, the Peace Education Programme can now also be offered virtually as well as in physical venues. Please explore The Prem Rawat’s Foundation’s website to discover more. Interested individuals and organisations can apply to TPRF for a license to facilitate the programme: Peace Education Program - Offer the Workshops - TPRF.org

Alongside the facilitation of the Peace Education Programme which has been ongoing in the UK for many years, new teams of helpers, formed by Peace Partners in association with TPRF and partnering organisations, have given us the opportunity to experience this ten week programme virtually in these difficult times of
Covid-19.

The virtual programmes have been successful and will continue to be offered even as we return to normality. The quality of the course is evidenced in the participant reflections. Feedback from a virtual programme recently held demonstrates the depth of feeling and respect elicited through attending the Peace Education Programme: ‘I would like to say something, it’s been absolutely a privilege and an honour being part of the Peace Education Course’.

An impressive array of helpers in the Peace Partners’ organisation have recently made more programmes available. One such helper is Lucy who has the role of Peace Education Programme Organiser. Below she gives an account of the scope of work she does as well as her own feelings at being part of it all:

Moving towards a more peaceful earth

Thursday 22nd April 2021 was UN Earth Day. The aim of Earth Day is to “…diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.” In almost every country across the globe, events took place to raise awareness of the need for a transformational change in the world. The theme for this year was “Restore Our Earth”.

The official Earth Day events were strongly focused on people and what we can do as individuals to drive change. They began on Tuesday 20th April with a youth climate summit. On Wednesday 21st April, there was an education summit involving participants from every continent. Then on Earth Day itself (Thursday 22nd April), there were workshops, panel discussions and special performances.

Confronting global challenges

Last year was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. After relying on nature and the less material resources it provides to us so much last year, more people are aware that pulling together, celebrating our planet and working with like-minded people to protect it for the future is more urgent than ever. Putting people at the center of these peaceful events allows for conversations, debates and problem-solving on a global scale.

The achievements of the Earth Day organisation are vast, including:

• influencing the passage of landmark environmental laws
• raising awareness for environmental education and literacy 
• planting millions of trees for their reforestation program 
• helping small and medium-sized farmers learn about sustainable agricultural practices.
 
Their work complements the values and vision of Peace Partners. As a UK-based charity, our aim is to support people in the UK, but we also take an International view and work with partners in other countries.

Making a difference

Over the past year the ability to get out and enjoy the peace of nature has been very important to many people. Connecting with nature helps people manage their mental health. Not only this, but the contribution of living nature through ecosystems - the diversity of organisms they contain and the services they provide (known as ecosystem services) - provides social, economic and other health benefits, aside from mental health. These are things we should value if we value ourselves and one another.

The issues currently impacting the Earth can seem massive and over-whelming. If everyone who cares about our planet, the people and other organisms on it, starts listening to each other and working together we can start to solve our problems. On any issue. All that is needed is the will to start.

​Why not join us in getting involved with the aims of Earth Day? Help us to shape caring, sustainable futures for everyone. You can add a leaf to our annual Peace Tree here.

The rapid spread of Covid-19 across India and Brazil is a major cause for concern around the world.  To help the disadvantaged, our charity partner, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), has come forward with a grant for relief aid. 

Please join us to support the cause and help the lives of many. 🧡

To donate, please visit: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/tprfbrazilindia 

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