“But the most important lesson was being resilient and to never give up on myself and my dreams. I have learnt to always respect others and believe in myself. Thank you WPDI for bringing this activity to our school!”
July 28, 2025 – Cinema can be a powerful catalyst for reflection, inspiration, and personal growth. Our peacebuilding mandate in South Africa has therefore been using film as a catalyst for positive transformation in the underprivileged communities of the Cape Flats. What young people often need is a medium that not only captures their attention but also challenges them to confront the complexities of conflict and violence in their lives, while helping them imagine that peace is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances. Cinema holds a unique power to do just that. Through compelling characters and captivating stories, it can reshape how we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. Cinema for Peace taps into this potential, using film as a catalyst to open minds and spark vital conversations about peace and reconciliation.
At Kuyasa Primary School in Khayelitsha, 227 pupils came together for a screening in the framework of this initiative. As part of the Peace Education program, the learners watched an animated film, which touched on powerful themes such as self-acceptance, resilience, emotional growth, and the importance of family and friendship. These messages resonated deeply with the group, prompting conversations about real-life challenges and how to navigate them with courage and integrity.
“I have learnt many lessons from this movie today,” shared Siyamthanda Ngu, a Grade 4 learner. “But the most important lesson was being resilient and to never give up on myself and my dreams. I have learnt to always respect others and believe in myself. Thank you WPDI for bringing this activity to our school.”
Youth Peacemaker Andisiwe Bokolo reflected on the session’s impact: “The movie screening has had a powerful impact, as shown in the meaningful conversations and reflections that followed. The learners were able to relate aspects of the story to their daily lives and draw lessons from there. This is something they have really looked forward to, and their feedback shows how beneficial it has been for them.”
The session was equally appreciated by the school’s educators. “They were engaged throughout the session and their energy during discussions was vibrant and inspiring,” said Ms. Solomon, a teacher at Kuyasa Primary. “These are the kinds of initiatives we value at our school and look forward to many more. Thank you WPDI and keep up the great work.”
By pairing storytelling with structured reflection, Cinema for Peace goes beyond entertainment to empower young people with the tools they need tounderstand themselves, connect with others, and shape more peaceful communities.
