February 3, 2025 – At the end of 2024, WPDI was delighted to host a series of graduation ceremonies for students who participated in our Peace Education program in schools across the Cape Flats, South Africa. The events celebrated the achievements of 8,560 learners who successfully completed the program in 2024, marking a significant step toward fostering a culture of peace, understanding, and non-violence in their schools and communities.
These ceremonies were moments of pride and reflection, as students, teachers, and WPDI Youth Peacemakers who delivered the program, shared their experiences and the profound changes they had witnessed. One Grade 5 learner from Impendulo Primary School in Khayelitsha expressed how the program had reshaped the way they handle conflicts: “The peace program taught me how to listen to others and think before I act. I am proud to graduate because I know I’ve changed. I even helped two of my friends solve a fight without shouting or hitting. It feels good to help others stay calm.” This newfound ability to mediate disputes and promote calmness was echoed throughout the graduations, where students spoke about their transformation into active peacebuilders.
The ceremonies included speeches from Youth Peacemakers, learners, and teachers, as well as presentations showcasing key lessons from the program. Many students reflected on how the experience had deepened their understanding of the power of kindness and of the responsibility every individual has toward peace. A Grade 10 learner from Kulani High School in Langa shared: “Before this program, I didn’t think about how my actions affect others. Now I understand that being kind and resolving problems peacefully makes our school a better place. I want to take these lessons into my community. Thank you to WPDI for this opportunity.” These words highlight how the program extends beyond the classroom, influencing family life and interactions within the broader community.
For teachers, witnessing their students embrace peacebuilding principles was an inspiring experience. One educator from Nomlinganiselo Primary School in Nyanga spoke about the transformation they had seen: “Watching our learners graduate from this program is inspiring. They have grown into thoughtful, respectful individuals who are committed to creating peace, not only in school but in their homes and communities. This program is giving hope to the Cape Flats.” Their words reflect a broader shift within schools, where students are not only learning about peace but actively shaping their environments with their actions and attitudes.
Each certificate handed to a learner symbolized more than just program completion—it represented a commitment to being a force for positive change. Likewise, these graduation ceremonies are not just celebrations; they are reminders that peace is a collective effort, and every student, teacher, and community member has a role to play in building a more harmonious society. Thanks to our Peace Education Program, thousands of young people in the Cape Flats learned values, attitudes, and behaviors conducive to shaping a future where dialogue replaces conflict, and understanding triumphs over division. It is our hope that they can create this future in their school tomorrow and in their community in the longer term. In the meanwhile, our hope is that they inspire more and more of their schoolmates to join their ranks as ambassadors of peace.
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