The Kyrgyzstan-based non-governmental organization “Institute for Peace and Development” is shaping a new generation of peacebuilders through “Peace Clubs” in more than 150 Kyrgyz schools, contributing to the development of students, peacebuilding, and the realization of the “Kyrgyz Jarany” (“Kyrgyz citizen” – ed.) concept for the peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups.

Over 5000 young people from Kyrgyzstan have had the opportunity to become advocates for peace and have uncovered their potential through the country’s public activities. According to one of the project participants, the “Peace Clubs” activities aim to support students’ intellectual growth, prevent juvenile delinquency, and implement the government’s “Kyrgyz Jarany” concept.

“Kyrgyz Jarany” is a concept for the development of national identity, officially promoted by the government of Kyrgyzstan. The project unites all ethnic communities in Kyrgyzstan while preserving their ethnic and cultural identities.

Through a series of developed experimental training sessions, the “Institute for Peace and Development” enables students to develop empathy, along with negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, IPD allows children to implement their own projects where they can share their ideas about peace. The most important mission of “Peace Clubs” is to promote principles of diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity among young people.

The popularity of participation in “Peace Clubs” is on the rise in Kyrgyzstan

One of the coordinators, Nurzhamal Alibaeva, shared with Novastan how the IPD project has been a path to improving the skills, leadership, and personal growth of children. Notably, there has been a noticeable change in the behavior of the students. Nurzhamal emphasizes that, “Seeing them behave in a tolerant, restrained manner, respecting personal boundaries, makes me very happy. I believe that this behavior started with this project.”

“Peace Clubs” have not only helped students within the clubs but have also brought them together outside the classroom. Nurzhamal mentioned, “We started spending more time together with the students after school. They often ask me: What’s the seminar about? What will we do? Where are we going? I see this as a significant interest among children in working together in the club.”

Each student shows their individuality

Ulanbek Umetov is not only the coordinator of the “Peace Clubs” project in the Nooken district of the Jalal-Abad region but also a teacher in a local school. He has been working on the project since 2019, and with each day, he not only teaches others but continuously learns himself. His pedagogy is based on the belief in the uniqueness of each student and an individual approach to each of them, making “Peace Clubs” very popular among local youth.

No matter which school he goes to in Nooken, students are interested in the project and eager to participate in “Peace Clubs.” “If there used to be only one club in Nooken before, today there are around 30 clubs. Imagine how attractive the project is, not only for students but also for teachers in schools. I am sure this is because we teach tolerance and explain what peace is and what positive qualities a person should have,” he says.

Ulanbek Umetov teaches in “Peace Clubs” in Kyrgyz to bring together students from various remote regions of Kyrgyzstan. “The project becomes a source of inspiration and learning for everyone involved in it. We teach children valuable lessons about what peace is and what positive qualities a person should have,” he concluded.

IPD’s plans include creating 1000 “Peace Clubs” by 2030 and providing financial support for 120 peace initiatives throughout Kyrgyzstan this year.

For more news and analysis from Central Asia, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Telegram, Linkedin or Instagram.