It’s very difficult to put into words the emotion of participating in this meeting at the University of Granada, Spain. Firstly, because when we think of a meeting of educators for peace, organized by the International Institute on Peace Education, it’s something that only those who have had prior experience with this learning community can imagine. Usually, meetings between educators, academics, and researchers already denote a certain rigidity, and the format of a symposium, conference, or something similar comes to mind. Well, this is nothing like that. The format and pedagogy applied in this case are incomparable to other meetings; there are only 60 participants (there were more than 200 applicants, but the number of those selected is part of the pedagogy and work process). We gathered for a week in a residential setting, where we ate together, reflected, lived together, created bonds and friendships that filled our hearts with joy. It’s like a large tribe experiencing emotions together and receiving the energy of our ancestors, celebrating individual achievements and sharing the best we have to offer the group at each moment.
I had already fallen in love with this community when I participated in the meeting held in Nepal two years ago. I shared my experience in a heartfelt report that can be read via this link:
IIPE – Nepal – Uma Experiência Extraordinária
This time the meeting was at the University of Granada, one of the most traditional in Europe. Founded in 1513, it continues to be one of the most important benchmarks of quality and excellence ever since. We stayed in one of its five units, with all the comfort and complete assistance.
The dormitory building had a beautiful view, the interior was super organized with different rooms and spaces for our activities, the cafeteria was great, and all the meals and snacks during breaks were delicious!
In fact, we ate way too much, everything was so delicious and the variety of typical Spanish dishes was so tempting, I think few could resist…
The pedagogy of the encounter provides an informal interaction between the participants from the beginning, not to mention that the night before the program started we had the World Cup final, cheering for Spain united us and the victory celebration was beautiful! If there was any cultural barrier at that moment, it dissolved; we were united in cheering and in the suffering of the match.
Meeting friends who were in Nepal and in other editions is an added joy; something inexplicable happens when we are together, a powerful force of love, acceptance, respect, and admiration draws us closer, and we are certain that these friendships will last a lifetime. It’s a fact!
The World Café is one of the first activities, where groups interact with each other, the main reflections that we will carry out during the meetings are presented and insights are shared in a playful and creative way.
Among the morning activities are plenary sessions, where the whole group meets and three participants present their projects, proposals, and reflections. We learn to listen and collectively formulate questions that arise with each presentation. More than seeking answers, this way of exploring themes, keeping curiosity and collective reflection alive is precious. In times where we are swallowed up by so much information, we increasingly lack deep listening, and producing collective reflection is something rarely seen in academic meetings. Personally, I can’t identify with this more rigid academic format; I find it very tiring and unproductive. When I go to meetings at universities, I find all the presentations too quick, and almost no one has time to interact or ask questions to the speakers. Besides the pedestal some academics are placed on, which makes easy and informal access impossible, ego is celebrated more than the content itself. But that’s just my opinion; many appreciate it, I don’t.
The program also includes workshops; they take place simultaneously, making it difficult to choose which one to participate in. There are so many interesting topics and incredible people that we’re always curious to know what the workshops we missed went like. This also allows all the presenters to have a diverse audience; smaller groups provide deeper interaction, quality listening, and the result is always interesting.
Just breathing together
We presented the methodology we developed in our Peace Education program in partnership with the Educandário and Instituto André Luiz at a workshop. We were very honored to be there and present our ideas and results to educators so committed and interested in our work.
The workshops I was able to participate in were incredible, inspiring, and healing.
The culture and surroundings of the city of Granada were also explored in our program; we had a Cultural Walk through the city streets, visiting important sites that represent the cultural and religious mosaic of the local culture. The beauty and diversity of Granada enchanted us.
After a hike visiting places in the Albaicín region, with a beautiful view of the Alhambra, we arrived at one of the student residences of the University of Granada. The property is charming; everyone was able to refresh themselves with a cold wine or beer, after all, the climb was intense and in the midst of a heat wave, our group really needed some refreshment. The cool breeze and the privileged view were a balm we needed! Music, laughter, and good conversation were present!
Our group was invited to participate in the launch of a Peace Manifesto in the community of La Alpujarra, where the people of Pitres, Capilerilla, Mecina, Mecinilla, Fondales, Ferreirola, and Atalbéitar came together to launch the Pueblos por la Paz Manifesto and organized a festival in La Tarra. The meeting began at the City Hall and was attended by important people from the community, as well as David Adams, who was with our group and is also launching a Peace Manifesto. You can sign and follow the movement through social media @activatingpeace
The union of feelings and the pursuit of a culture of peace that rejects injustice and war is a call that strengthens us as humanity and as agents of peace. More than just talking about what we want to see in the world, we are, each in our own countries and communities, planting the seeds of harmonious coexistence, social justice, demilitarization, welcoming refugees, caring for vulnerable people, victims of armed conflict, promoting courses, reflections, and acting directly in the promotion of education for peace. These are diverse contexts, but the pursuit of peace and non-violence in relationships transcends cultural differences.
Our group in La Taha
We visited an agroecological community that seeks to revive ancestral farming techniques and revitalize the region’s water sources. We had an extensive presentation about their actions and how they are generating income and caring for nature at the same time.
That day still held many surprises; the festival organized a community lunch in the square where paella was served to the participants to the sound of music played by a group of women.
Later, we attended a performance at the local church by a wonderful cellist who enchanted us with her talent performing works by Bach. It was very moving and intense to be there, to see a united, vibrant, and joyful community, filling our souls and hearts with hope and leaving us overflowing with good energy. Tears of gratitude, joy, and blessing welled up in our hearts.
And there was more! We returned to the village and after a short rest and a pause for group reflection, we climbed the hill towards the top where the last part of our visit would take place. There, the community had organized an outdoor event with typical foods, cold drinks, a fair of local products, and a flamenco fusion music performance, performed only by women – a true delight. Everything was made possible through the initiative and volunteer work of the community, where everyone offered their time and talent to make it all happen, and it was beautiful! We loved it! We left exhausted from the long day, but with our hearts, souls, and stomachs full of good things!
It was a memorable day, one of those that will be kept in memory forever. I’m avoiding mentioning the names of the friends we made or reconnected with because it would be unfair to mention some and not others; it would also be a long list. The affection, admiration, shared opinions, jokes, and reflections would have lengthened the account to countless pages. Even then, there would be a risk of missing some detail, so I’m sticking to my perception of what this experience was like for me. I’m sure that even so, my description is incomplete. Forgive me if I left out something that deserved to be mentioned, but the article is already immense; to describe more details would require a book!
Our visit also generated news in the local media.
We concluded our week-long residency with a grand celebration, full of joy, presentations from the reflection groups, and individual contributions during the cultural evening.
After this experience of intense togetherness, community learning, and so much affection, it’s always hard to say goodbye. Everyone feels like a member of one big family; together we laughed, cried, played, and celebrated the best things in life! We already miss each other, but true connections aren’t lost with distance or time; they thrive on the desire to meet again. In our case, we’ll possibly meet at the next IIPE, which will be held in South Korea.
We were fortunate enough to take advantage of a brief window of opportunity during the meeting to record a short interview with the delegation that will host the next IIPE 2028.
Preview of the video showing the place where the next IIPE will take place
Until then, we’ll be together online. Soon, we’ll be launching the “Outside the Box Conversations” interview series on our website in partnership with HOPE – Humans of Peace Education, bringing you closer to the reflections and brilliance of these educators who are strengthening the Culture and Education for Peace in all corners of the world! Stay tuned!
My dear brothers and sisters of IIPE, you are a light in this world full of challenges and you show that the heart and community are the most powerful bond that exists! It is an honor to be part of this enchanting community!
Gratitude, admiration, and infinite respect to all of you!
Feel embraced!
Regina Proença