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.