The Path to Peace: A Community's Journey

What does "peace" mean to you?

(by Shabeb Play for Peace kids, youth and parents)

In the vibrant and bustling towns of Bourj Hammoud-Dora- Baouchrieh , a wave of peace began to ripple through the community, touching hearts and changing lives. It all started with a simple idea: that peace isn’t just a distant dream but something we can build together through small acts of kindness and generosity.

What does peace mean?

Peace means... Supporting Others For Senior Boys' Category

The Senior Boys extended their support to the younger generation in a different way. They bought water bottles from the Under-14 boys initiative, not just to quench their thirst, but as a way to encourage and support them. Bypurchasing these water bottles, the Senior Boys helped these young entrepreneurs fund their own social actioninitiative. Their gesture was more than a transaction; it was an act of mentorship and solidarity. Through this simple act of kindness, they showed the younger boys that their efforts were valued and that they were part of a larger community working together for a common good.

Peace means... An Encouraging Word

At Ramlet al-Bayda, the Senior Boys took their efforts to a new level. They distributed water bottles to people at the beach with encouraging words written on each label. Their vision was to spread positivity and support through asimple yet meaningful gesture. Each water bottle carried a message of encouragement, reminding everyone to stay hydrated and positive. Their thoughtful actions created a ripple of goodwill, demonstrating that even small efforts can uplift and connect people.

Peace means... Being Physically Active

In a related initiative, the Senior Boys took another step to encourage physical activity among the elderly. They organized a fun and engaging challenge where elderly could receive free water bottles if they were involved in some form of exercise. The Senior Boys motivated the elderly to stay active and healthy. Their creative approach fostereda spirit of fitness and well- being, proving that staying active is beneficial at any age and can be encouraged in fun and engaging ways.

Peace means... Sweet Generosity

Back at the TSA tournament, the Senior Girls spread sweetness and joy. They handed out cupcakes to players and spectators, each cupcake accompanied by a warm smile and a kind word. Their vision was to spread love andkindness through a simple yet heartfelt gesture. Their sweet generosity created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, showing that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in building community spirit.

Peace means... Encouraging Other Girls and Being Kind

Not stopping there, the Senior Girls continued their kindness by adding positive quotes to the cupcakes they distributed at the TSA tournament. Their vision was to uplift and motivate athletes with encouraging words. Their thoughtful messages provided not only a treat but also a boost of confidence and support, reminding everyone of their strength and potential.

Peace means... Mantaining a Clean Football Field

On a sunny day, the Under-16 Group took to Emile Lahoud Stadium after a big event. Armed with trash bags and a sense of purpose, they cleaned the football field. Their vision was to maintain a clean and respectful environment for the community. Their diligent cleanup work set an example of respect for shared spaces and inspired others to takepride in their surroundings.

Peace means... Empathy and Generosity

In another corner of the community, the Under-14 Group showed profound empathy by covering the monthly fees for seven players in the P4P category. Their vision was to support their peers who faced financial challenges and ensurethey could continue participating in the games. Their generous act made a significant difference in the lives of these players, demonstrating that peace comes from helping one another overcome obstacles.

Peace means... Strategic Planning to Support Others

The Under-14 Group also took creative steps to support others. They sold water bottles with encouraging words, and all proceeds went into a donation box for community support. Their vision was to combine a simple product with ameaningful message to raise funds for those in need. Their strategic planning amplified the impact of their efforts, showing that thoughtful actions can make a big difference.

Peace means... Feeding People in Need

The Under-12 Group embarked on a touching mission to feed those in need in Bourj Hammoud. They prepared and distributed nutritious lunch boxes to individuals who might otherwise go hungry. Their vision was to provide meals and moments of joy to those in need. Their kindness not only alleviated hunger but also brought comfort and connection to the community.

Peace means... Motivating Others

Adding a special touch, the Under-12 Group also included motivational quotes on the lunch boxes they distributed. Their vision was to uplift and inspire those receiving the meals. This extra effort offered not justnourishment but also emotional support, spreading positivity and hope.

Peace means... A Clean Public Beach

At Ramlet al-Bayda beach, the Under-11 Group took action to keep the environment clean. They gathered plasticbottles and litter, working together to maintain the beach’s beauty. Their vision was to contribute to a cleaner environment and promote environmental stewardship. Their hard work made the beach a cleaner, more pleasant place for everyone and raised awareness about the importance of caring for public spaces.

Peace means... Recycling

The under 11 boys came up with a great idea for recycling water bottles. After collecting them, they delivered the bottles to arecycling organization. In return, the organization gave them money for the bottles they provided.

Peace means... Helping a Family in Need

In addition to their recycling efforts, the Under-11s also used the funds they raised to support a family in financial need. Their vision was to offer financial assistance to a family facing difficulties. Their generosity provided much-needed support and highlighted the importance of empathy and community care.

Peace means... A Clean Environment

The Under-10 Group took action to keep the football field clean and raised awareness about environmental cleanliness. Their vision was to maintain a clean environment and promote the importance of proper waste disposal.Their cleanup efforts and awareness posters helped keep the field clean and encouraged others to do the same.

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Peace means... Caring for Domestic Workers

The Coaches showed appreciation for domestic workers by taking on the task of cleaning the building after a coaches’ camp. Their vision was to express gratitude and care for those who support their community. Their actions demonstrated that peace involves respecting and appreciating everyone’s contributions.

Peace means... Sharing Hope

In another effort, the Coaches created a video for social media to share messages of hope and encouragement with a broader audience. Their vision was to inspire others through positive messages and stories. Their video spread hope and positivity, showing that the spirit of peace can extend beyond their immediate community.

Peace means... Being Grateful and Show Appreciation

At the coaches’ camp, they also drew cartoons and wrote encouraging words for a serving family. Their vision was to show appreciation and gratitude for the family’s support. Their creative expressions of thanks strengthened bondsand highlighted the importance of showing appreciation.

Peace means... Inclusion, Respect and Friendship

The Senior LFL Group took a step towards fostering a sense of inclusion and respect by giving jerseys shirts to all the teams. Their vision was to promote inclusion, respect, and friendship among teams. Their gesture created a sense of unity and respect, reinforcing the values of inclusion and camaraderie.

Peace means... Spending Fun Time with Their Kids

The Fathers’ Group focused on spending quality time with their children in playing football together, creating opportunities for fun and bonding. Their vision was to strengthen family relationships through shared activities. Theirefforts showed that peace starts at home, with joyful and meaningful moments spent together.

Peace means... Being Able to Write and Read

A dedicated team of mothers organized literacy classes in Arabic to help individuals improve their reading andwriting skills. Their vision was to empower individuals through education and literacy. Their classes provided essential skills and opportunities for personal growth. In addition, English classes too.

Peace means... Generosity, Fun and Dance

Finally, these devoted mothers celebrated cultural traditions through days of dance, food, and festivities. Their vision was to share joy and cultural appreciation through traditional celebrations. Their events fostered a sense of community and cultural appreciation, bringing people together in celebration and fun from different backgrounds,religions and nationalities .

Through these diverse and heartfelt initiatives, the community came together to demonstrate that peace is found inour actions towards one another. Each group’s efforts reflected different facets of peace, from environmental stewardship and personal growth to empathy and generosity. Their collective actions created a ripple effect, spreading positivity and inspiring others to contribute to the greater good. Their story was a testament to the beliefthat peace is not just a goal but a journey made up of countless moments of kindness, support, and understanding.

As they continued their mission, they dreamed of future projects and initiatives that would further their commitment to a peaceful and compassionate world. Their story served as a reminder that every small action counts and that peace is a shared journey of the heart. That is what Peace means to Al Shabiba Risala participants in Lebanon.

What does peace means to you?