Global Peace Path: TEFL initiative unites students worldwide in ongoing peace campaign through poetry
Discover how our Global Peace Path project, launched by the TEFL Chair in 2018, has inspired 27 follow-up initiatives worldwide through student poetry on peace
30.07.2024
In 2018, the Chair of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at our university launched an inspiring initiative called the Global Peace Path. This project, which began with a simple yet profound goal, has grown into a global movement, embodying the spirit of unity and peace through the power of poetry.
The Global Peace Path project encourages students from all educational sectors—including primary, secondary, vocational schools, and universities—to express their thoughts and hopes for peace through poetry. Participants write poems that convey their unique perspectives on peace, love and harmony while also critically commenting on what opposes peace. These poetic contributions are then displayed publicly in their communities and shared online, creating a rich tapestry of voices advocating for global peace.
Since its inception, the project has inspired 27 follow-up initiatives worldwide. These subsequent projects have expanded the reach and impact of the original idea, fostering a network of peace advocates spanning different cultures and backgrounds. Through their verses, students not only enhance their language skills but also engage in meaningful dialogue about peace, contributing to a broader, worldwide campaign.
The Global Peace Path is more than just a project; it is an ongoing mission. By continually inviting new participants and spreading messages of peace, it remains a dynamic and ever-growing movement. Each poem adds a new thread to the intricate fabric of global unity, demonstrating the enduring power of words to inspire change and foster understanding.
As the Global Peace Path continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in creating a more harmonious world. Join us in celebrating and contributing to this remarkable journey towards peace.
Explore the latest contributions to the Global Peace Path on the GPP world map or on Facebook, e.g.:
GPP Konstanz: Our former student Leonie Manno and her 10th graders from Alexander-von-Humboldt-Gymnasium in Konstanz expressed their views on peace through self-written postcards. With the funds they raised selling the postcards, they supported children who have been exploited as child soldiers.
GPP Europaschulen Herne, Bochum, and Hattingen: The Mulvany Berufskolleg hosted an 'Europa-Aktionstag' (Europe Action Day) under the theme "Europe as a Peace Project - Beyond All Borders." Led by Barbara Koßman, whose students previously contributed to the GPP through an exchange with participants from the Czech Republic, the event was prepared in collaboration with Hellweg-Gymnasium and Grundschule Linden in Bochum. Students wrote poems centered on peace, culminating in a human chain of around 1,000 participants, making a powerful statement for peace.
GPP München-Moosach: Sixth graders collaborated to literally build a peace bridge (Friedensbrücke). Initiated by Anna Lenhardt and in collaboration with her colleagues, students from five classes wrote multilingual peace poetry, showcasing their commitment to peace and unity.
Find more information and the GPP projects here: www.lmu.de/globalpeacepath and www.facebook.com/globalpeacepath