Young Ambassador for Peace
This project aims to inspire the younger generation to find peace within themselves, develop leadership skills, promote teamwork, and become true ambassadors for peace within their communities, building unity and respect for all. We are providing a platform for the younger generation to take the initiative for change. It is an opportunity to invest in their future and make a real difference. Find out how you can participate.
Testimonials
One remarkable observation that we noticed was how all of these practices help students manage their reactions in challenging situations. It was amazing how students took what they learned from the YAPs and how they presented it and how they helped the other students as well. Rather than an immediate emotional response, they took the time out to reflect, and choose how they would like to respond. This shift was not minor; it was monumental in shaping not only their classroom environments but also during playtime and lunchtime, where peace and respect became a natural practice.
Mrs Letitia Mckenzie
Deputy Headteacher of Belmont Primary School, Harrow
Working in the classrooms, I have noticed that the children are calmer, peaceful and enjoying their lessons.
Mrs Doolan
LSA of Belmont Primary School, Harrow
We have three young ambassadors from Year Five and three young ambassadors from Year Six. Their journey has illustrated to me the beauty of the process because they have been able to face challenges and overcome frightening things. They have demonstrated great resilience by getting up, organising things, and finding ways to navigate through them in beautiful ways so that everybody benefits.
Daniel Kerbel
Headteacher of Grange Primary School, Harrow
It has been an incredible journey, and it's a journey that we will continue to build on – focusing on goodness, creativity, joy, connection, and love. We hope that our YAPs will carry these values with them as they progress to the next stage of learning. Peacefulness, mindfulness, caring, kindness, and a positive attitude remain not just within our school, but permeate throughout the school community and Harrow.
Mrs Poonam Aggarwall
Headteacher of Belmont Primary School, Harrow
This has been an epic year for not just the kids, but for us as parents as well, to see how much they've grown individually and as a group, and the amount of work and effort they've put into it. They've put in so much effort organising the presentations, and every Thursday, when they have a school meeting, at home during dinner time, all we hear is peace, love, and kindness. It hasn't just changed the kids. It has changed me as a parent; it's taught me to be calm.
Parent
Parent of Grange Primary School, Harrow
Thank you for an amazing programme, which I hope will continue to grow and flourish and become an international YAP programme. It is our responsibility to create pathways for the peacemakers of the future, starting with the young peacemakers now. It will be really exciting to see where these peacemakers will go in their lives and what they will leave behind for others to follow in their path.
Mrs Ahmad
Maths & Yoga Subject Lead of West Lodge Primary School, Harrow
The YAP programme has taught me a great deal about peace, about how to maintain peace in school, how to spread the message of peace within the school community, and how to carry out my daily activities peacefully. It has been an incredible journey for the pupils, and it has also been a journey for us as well. Everything we have learned from the various events and conferences has been amazing. However, what I have enjoyed most is observing the children progress through this journey over the course of the year. Our six YAPs have been brilliant, taking on their roles and responsibilities very seriously and in such a mature manner. It has been amazing to see our YAPs grow and develop as individuals, come up with their own ideas, discuss various aspects of the program, take the lead on projects, and brainstorm ideas. Witnessing their growth in confidence and self-belief has been brilliant. Another notable aspect is their willingness to try new things. When they initially started this project, they were unsure about it. Now, even when faced with new challenges or tasks at school, they approach them without fear. They are willing to take risks and try new activities, which has been very rewarding to see. Initially, some of them were a little nervous about the project, but I believe they have succeeded brilliantly. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments.
Mrs Vaghela
Class teacher of West Lodge Primary School, Harrow
A really wonderful way the school has incorporated the YAP programme is by allowing the children to lead the teachers through a meditation or a peaceful moment during the weekly teachers' meeting. It has given the kids a great experience and has also helped them with their public speaking and confidence. I've definitely taken on some of these approaches, and I've tried to be calmer in my approach as a parent. I always remember that, no matter how hard something is today, tomorrow is a fresh opportunity to make things better.
Parent
Parent of West Lodge Primary School, Harrow
My child is now my new role model. Two things I've learned from my child: The more positive thoughts you have, the more peaceful you become. The one small, positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
Parent
Parent of West Lodge Primary School, Harrow
YAP for me was truly amazing and inspirational. The journey of YAP 2024 has made me feel calmer and more relaxed, also more a part of peace. The best part of YAP is when we have completed all the challenges and I get to live in a more peaceful environment. As I went through the peace journey, I have become more peaceful. I learnt to be calmer during the hard times and I have learnt new breathing techniques. As a YAP, the most helpful things that I have learnt are Grounding, Sunning and clouding as it has helped me truly connect to nature. One thing that I will keep with me forever is how to keep calm in harsh situations.
Ana Maria
Pupil
Yap has been an absolutely marvellous journey for me. A few months ago, I usually panicked at the arising conflict but now, I have realised the significance of peace in our lives and know how to solve it peacefully. Also, peace has shaped a greater meaning in life for me. I hope I’ll be able to perform several things I have learnt towards seeking a more peaceful life.
-Anukriti
Pupil
I loved YAP as it taught me important life lessons about peace and how to be calm Learning to be peaceful helped me become more productive and learn how to be more
-Mira
Pupil
My year being a YAP has been really peaceful and throughout the year I have respectfully learnt how to mediate peacefully. I also learnt how to keep peace with myself and with others.
-Fatima
Pupil
YAP has helped me feel calmer than I had ever felt before and it has really helped me become more productive with my work. It has also taught me that peace is calming yourself down and taking a pause in your day to reflect your daily action.
Gloria
Pupil
In my opinion, I feel that being a YAP was the best part of being a year 6. Being an ambassador of peace has really helped me during difficult times, as I now know how to calm myself down. I am truly grateful for my time in YAP and I have learnt many very valuable life lessons.
Aynie
Pupil
The project has inspired pupils (as Young Ambassadors for Peace) to take positive action within
their communities during the academic year 2023-24. Participating schools nominated 6 pupil
delegates from Year 4 to Year 6, to drive the project forward. Throughout the project, the pupils
have taken part in a range of events exploring three key themes: peace within the self; peace with
others; and peace with nature. These events have enabled the pupils to develop the skills and
understanding to serve as Young Ambassadors for Peace within their school communities.
Throughout the project, regular content has been shared with the participating schools; this has
taken the form of: newsletters to celebrate the impact of the project; modules to support the
delivery of lessons and assemblies on the theme of peace; and workbooks to support the individual
practice for pupils. Additionally, visits to participating schools were conducted to allow pupils to
provide further guidance to the pupils; to allow pupils to share their progress; and to celebrate
the impact that they have had. The pupils have embraced the project and have inspired members of
their communities to create a peaceful environment for all.
As participating schools witness the success of the project, the project will extend into subsequent
academic years. The pioneering Peace Ambassador Schools of 2023-24 serve as a beacon, inspiring
other schools to join in coming years. If interested, please reach out for further information.
During the project the pupils will take part in a number of activities as they develop the skills and understanding to become a Young Ambassador for Peace:
Values for Peace
Pupils will reflect on key core values that help to contribute a culture of peace
Solution Focused Collaboration
Pupils will reflect on key core values that help to contribute a culture of peace
Mindful Moments
Pupils will learn simple techniques to experience mindful moments, strengthening an inner core of peace within.
Guided Action Planning
Pupils will have an opportunity to work in their school groups and create an action plan for peace within their school communities.
Collaborative Art Project
Pupils will also have the opportunity to contribute to a large-scale artwork that will depict the importance of building peace within our communities.
'We have far more in Common than that which divides us.'
Pupils will get the opportunity to meet faith leaders from different faith traditions and will learn about the common threads that run through all major religions.
Peace with Nature
Pupils will learn how we can have a positive impact on nature and the environment by creating peace within; by learning to appreciate the value of all life; and by understanding the interconnectedness of all living things.
Teaching Others
Pupils will develop the skills to: lead assemblies and lessons for other pupils; present to parents and staff; and lead by example within their communities.
