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Stitching together messages of peace from around the world

To mark World Peace Day 2018, Empathy Action partnered with humanitarian relief supplier NRS International to run a #PeaceDoves campaign to give wings to a message of hope, peace and reconciliation that went across the world.

The project connected local schools and businesses in Kent with NRS International’s factory workers in Pakistan and Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh. Some even made it to the United Nations for Global Goals week in New York.

Small doves, big messages

Six women stitchers in Pakistan crafted 650 handcrafted dove toys made from upcycled offcuts of refugee blankets and tarpaulins. Speaking about the #PeaceDoves concept, Sandy Glanfield, Innovations Manager at Empathy Action, says:

The doves carry a reminder that for the 65 million refugees around the world, a blanket or tarpaulin is basic necessity to survive. The passionate and skillful women who made the doves, add the love into this story.”

It’s more than just a dove

Empathy Action worked with children at local schools as part of the initiative, including Tonbridge Grammar School, Hilden Grange School in Tonbridge and Lady Boswell’s Primary School in Sevenoaks. The children reflected on the meaning of peace and what peace means to them. They also had the opportunity to buy their very own #PeaceDove.

Local businesses and community groups also backed our campaign, including Juliet’s Café, independent retailer Anna Poulsen, local yoga teacher Helen Bishop and Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club. Peaceful messages about ethical business practices, community, self-care and peace were shared on social media under the #PeaceDoves banner.

Messages of hope

Meanwhile in Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, an art exhibition organised by the Danish Refugee Council to highlight peace and hope in conflict settings, involved over 300 displaced Rohingya children. 150 of our #PeaceDoves were presented to the children as prizes, bringing joy and hope.

I am very happy with this dove. I like it so much” Anjuman (age 8)

Through the #PeaceDoves project, Empathy Action and NRS International hope to raise social awareness, ignite empathy and encourage private businesses and individuals to contribute to a more peaceful society by spreading messages of peace.

Please get in touch if you would like to learn more about how to bring a messages of peace activity to your group.

Students at share their messages of peace

Students trying to sell the Peace Doves at Hilden Grange School

Taking a Dove made by Fozia to the UN during Global Goals week

Messages from Peace from local businesses including Lili from Pinq Creative

The #PeaceDove at the Global People’s Summit in New York

Tonbridge Grammar School craft their messages of Peace

The Peace Doves in Bangladesh

Empathy Action Gifts partner (Annie Makoni) in Zimbabwe helps prepare the dove for its journey

#PeaceDoves made from the scraps of aid items

Lahore #PeaceDove maker Haleema

Lahore #PeaceDove maker Sana

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Lahore #PeaceDove maker Nazia

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Lahore #PeaceDove maker Fozia

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Lahore #PeaceDove maker Shagufta

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Empathy Action wearing white at a Peace Assembly on Peace Day

Peace Doves in Sevenoaks

Peace Doves in Sevenoaks

Filed Under: Blog, News Tagged With: #EmpathyActionStories, #PeaceDoves, #ShareHumanity, Aid Blankets, AidEx, Building Bridges For Peace, Businesses for Peace, Danish Refugee Council, Empathy, Global Goals Week, Hilden Grange School, Lady Boswell's School, NRS International, Peace, Peace Day, Peace Dove, Peace One Day, Peace Project, PeaceDove, Rohingya, SDGS, TGS, Tonbridge Grammar School, United Nations, Upcycling, WHS, World Humanitarian Summit

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