The School of Peace (SoP) program was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As a peacebuilder working as a counselor and psychosocial support provider in Nepal, I was deeply excited to learn about interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and nonviolent communication alongside Asian peace advocates. Traveling from Nepal to Bali, Indonesia, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but it turned out to be a journey that forever changed my outlook.
Connecting with ICF and SoP: A New World of Learning
When I first connected with the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF), I had no idea how impactful the program would be. The seed of my journey as a community leader and changemaker was first planted by The School of Nonviolence (TSON) in Nepal and further nurtured by the amazing facilitators and mentors at ICF. I sincerely thank the ICF family for selecting me to represent Nepal in the School of Peace. To my 13 inspiring friends from nine different Asian countries, the 60 days we spent together in Bali have given me immense hope for a better future. Our ability to break down barriers and build close friendships—despite our diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures—is a testament to the possibility of living in a world without walls dividing us. During the program, we visited various religious sites, including temples, mosques, churches, and monasteries, where we shared our beliefs and ideologies. These exchanges fostered mutual respect and understanding, deepening our appreciation of diversity and highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence, regardless of our differences.One of the early lessons that struck me was about ecofeminism and the connection between environmental degradation and systems of patriarchy and capitalism. As a practitioner rooted in traditional values, learning about how religious practices are sometimes commodified and exploited for economic gain was eye-opening. It prompted me to reflect deeply on balancing faith and environmental care in Nepal.
“To my 13 inspiring friends from nine different Asian countries, the 60 days we spent together in Bali have given me immense hope for a better future.”
Current Roles: Contributing to Peacebuilding in Nepal
Since returning from the SoP program, I have been actively working in my community, promoting mental health, emotional well-being, and social justice. As the Program Coordinator at The School of Nonviolence Inc., I lead various workshops on nonviolent communication, emotional literacy, and gender justice. I also run safe listening circles and organize awareness campaigns, particularly focusing on empowering women and marginalized groups. My role includes facilitating community dialogues that foster empathy and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution.Two major workshops I organized after my return stand out: one focused on unveiling the dowry system and the other on mental health and emotional well-being. These workshops directly reflected the growth and confidence I gained during SoP, empowering me to tackle pressing social issues in Nepal.
Unveiling the Dowry System: A Call for Gender Justice
The dowry system, still prevalent in many parts of Nepal, often leads to domestic violence, financial strain, and the marginalization of women. The lessons I learned on gender justice and intersectionality at SoP helped me design a workshop addressing this harmful tradition's root causes. Titled "Unveiling the Dowry System: A Call for Gender Justice," this workshop brought together community leaders, women's groups, and youth to discuss the cycle of violence associated with dowry and explore how empathy and nonviolent communication can bring about change. By the end of the workshop, participants felt empowered to continue advocating against the dowry system in their communities.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Building Resilience
Mental health is an issue that has long been stigmatized in Nepal, and there is a significant lack of resources for those struggling with emotional well-being. My second workshop, "Healing Together: Mental Health and Emotional Well-being in Our Communities," created a safe space for people to share their experiences and learn strategies for emotional resilience. We used safe listening circles—a technique I learned at SoP—to foster a culture of empathy and support. This workshop also emphasized advocacy, encouraging participants to push for better mental health policies at the local government level.
The Impact of SoP on My Personal and Professional Growth
My participation in the ICF program has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional development. Personally, it deepened my empathy and broadened my understanding of peacebuilding as a multi-faceted effort that encompasses environmental, gender, and mental health issues. Professionally, it enhanced my leadership skills, equipping me with the tools to design and lead impactful workshops that create real change in my community.The most significant transformation I experienced was in my confidence. Before SoP, I had ideas but often hesitated to lead large-scale initiatives. The program's emphasis on experiential learning and collaboration empowered me to trust my abilities and step up as a changemaker. The network I built with other participants continues to be a source of support and inspiration, and we collaborate across borders on various peace initiatives.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Peaceful Future
As I continue my peacebuilding journey in Nepal, the skills, knowledge, and inspiration I gained from the School of Peace will guide me. Whether it is addressing harmful cultural traditions like the dowry system, sharing nonviolent communication, or advocating for mental health, I am now equipped to create lasting change at the grassroots level. I am grateful to the ICF for this transformative experience and for helping me become a more decisive, more empathetic leader in my community.