Growing Peace Project (GPP) is a programme for Herefordshire primary school children, run under the auspices of the Millichap Peace Fund:
www.millichappeacefund.org.uk
The outcome of the peace education programme is for young people to learn peaceful actions, behaviour, language and techniques which can become the norm. This leads them into becoming more confident, kinder, thoughtful and more aware youngsters. The programme is usually delivered in one-hour sessions over six weeks.
The key tool is working within a circle where ideas and opinions can be shared. Listening and speaking to each other have important roles in developing empathy, and emotional literacy. Games and activities all have purpose and are fun strategies for learning and understanding. Role play and discussion enable the children to understand the source of anger, worries and concerns and offer them positive and safe techniques for dealing with those emotions.
Set up in 2023, it has reached over 600 pupils in some 15 rural and urban schools in Herefordshire and surrounding areas. Requests for the programme are increasing throughout Herefordshire and the Welsh borders and often schools ask for return visits.
To meet this growing demand, GPP is looking for more volunteers to help deliver the project. Volunteers are offered training and travel expenses are paid. All volunteers need to have an Enhanced DBS which can be arranged through the programme. You don’t need to be a teacher to volunteer – just an interest in supporting young people to develop peaceful ways. Incidentally, the class teacher is always in the room and usually joins the activities.
If you are interested in learning more, or know someone who may be interested in volunteering, please contact mailto:growingpeace@millichappeacefund.org.uk.