Seeds of Peace

Hatred between different cultures has grown through decades throughout the world. This hatred has caused non-stop wars throughout history resulting in chaotic communities. Many youth are taught to dislike others that are not from the same cultures, so the hatred starts to develop more as a tradition without having a concrete reason for it. The future leaders of the world have been focusing too much on this hatred, without realizing that they are omitting the skills necessary to be a successful leader. The youth are the future of the world, and raising them with hatred promotes conflicts between regions in the future. They are being raised with a close mind without allowing them the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in cultural differences and realizing that others mean no harm. The lack of opportunity to discuss differences in a passive way will also prevent peace to rise in these regions.

Seeds of Peace understand that the future hope will depend on the developing leaders that will one day lead from different regions. This is why the purpose of their organization is to help young people from regions of cultural conflicts develop the leadership skills necessary to progress in coexistence by building friendships and trust with other regions. Seeds of Peace reunite young people from the Middle East, south Asia, and the Unites States in regional camps, to provide a 3-week conflict resolution program, designed to open young minds on reality and have dialogues about their differences and personal experiences. The “Seeds” are provided with activities including, athletic, artistic, and cultural to explore other ideas and customs. Counseling is also offered to all “Seeds” because the organization is aware that coping and respecting another culture is not easy, especially if it goes against your own beliefs. After the 3 weeks, all “Seeds” graduate with leadership skills, lasting friendships, and knowledge of different cultures. Seeds of Peace also offer all graduates information about how to enroll, get funding, and test requirements in order to get an education in the United States.

In order for the organization to be successful, communication is needed between participants, volunteers, and donators. Many of the resources to communicate are found on the Seeds of Peace website. Emails are used to receive and answer questions about the organization or to inquiry about contributing with donations. Interested volunteers are encouraged to also email the organization to let them know about their desire to provide their service. Youth that would like to experience the opportunity that Seeds of Peace offers, can also email them to express their aspiration. There are videos and articles found in the website to demonstrate the success the program has had, and to show the activities that occur during camp. Links to online newsletters, Facebook, and scholarships information are provided in order for “Seeds” to keep in touch with their new friends and continue on with their education. A phone number is also provided for inquiring about the organization and to clarify how Seeds of Peace has eliminated discrimination and hatred in different regions for more than 77 years.

"Building Peace"

Peace is something that everyone wishes for. But what are people really doing in order to create this peaceful world? Mostly nothing. When people feel in danger, they respond in an aggressive and violent manner and they don’t really process their actions. In the video “Building Peace” from the Central Asia Institute, we can see that someone finally decided to step up and do something in order to create peace. When you help someone in need, in return you usually get gratitude and that person won’t try to hurt you because you showed that you don’t mean any harm. Why don’t we help others in order to have peaceful relationships throughout the world? This gentlemen was helped by some strangers when they could have let him to die. His response was a desire to help that community out and he did by building schools and supporting an education system for girls. That is an action of peace. We might not have the money to go to another country and build schools but we can always help somebody out in a daily basis. You see someone carrying grocery bags and trying to open their car, help them out. Someone who’s car got a flat tire on the way to school or work, help them out. Little by little you can make the world a peaceful place to live in. We all have heard this so many times but is true. I will not deny that there are people out there who will not appreciate your help and might even try to take advantage of you, but you are at least doing your part. Peace can be achieved one step at a time. Be peaceful with your family, your friends, your special someone, and strangers. You will find out that helping others is an action of peace. T he world is a violent and hoarse place to live in but why not try to do something about it? You don’t need money to do a good cause. Everyday provides an opportunity for you to help. And besides, one of these days you will be the one who needs help; wouldn’t you like someone to also help you? To maintain peace in this world is very difficult and might seem impossible, but it doesn’t hurt to try to do something about it. Seeing the big picture will help you understand that you can make a difference. You might think your actions are insignificant, but for someone else you were their hero. 

“An enemy is a person whose story we have not heard” Gene Knudson Hoffman (Quaker Peace Activist)

 I understand why people might agree with the quote above. Sometimes we have a conflict with someone because we don’t really know who they are, or there is some kind of misunderstanding. I f you don’t really give that person the opportunity to express who they are, you might falsely classified them as your enemy. If you see the quote that way, then I would also agree with it but there is a second part to it which I don’t agree with. There are many people out there whose story I have not heard and I don’t feel they are my enemy. Sometimes knowing their story is what makes them your enemy, I f you know that someone wants to hurt you, or someone else you care for, you automatically put them in your enemy list. It is of human nature to try to protect who you love and yourself from danger and having that list is a way of surviving. Is better to know that individual’s story and know exactly who they are so you know what they are capable of. There are malicious people out there who just desire to cause harm on others without having a reason or a story so they become an enemy too. Everyone has their methods to “classify” their enemies, and it all depends on which one makes you feel more secure. If you want to say that everyone you don’t know is your enemy, go ahead, there is no problem as long as you don’t cause anyone el se harm. You don’t want to become the enemy of the whole world just because you feel that the whole world is your enemy.