Every January 30th, many schools pause their daily routines for a moment to remember something that should, in fact, accompany us every day: peace and non-violence. This date is not random. It marks the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, a global symbol of peaceful resistance and social change achieved through dialogue, respect, and consistency between thought and action. Since 1964, the School Day of Peace and Non-Violence has invited reflection—especially in classrooms—on the kind of world we want to build.
Talking about peace in childhood is neither an abstract nor a naïve idea. It is a necessity. The early years of life are when values, attitudes, and ways of relating to others are formed. When a child internalizes from a young age that conflicts can be resolved without violence, that all people deserve respect, and that diversity is not a threat but a source of richness, that learning leaves a lasting mark. It is not just about preventing playground arguments, but about laying the foundations for a fairer and more empathetic coexistence in the future.
Celebrating this day remains essential because violence, in all its forms, is still present in the world and, at times, even in our closest environments. Schools, as spaces of socialization, play a key role in counteracting messages of hate, discrimination, or intolerance that children may receive from other sources. Remembering the value of peace does not mean denying conflict, but rather learning how to manage it through tools such as dialogue, listening, and cooperation.
In many schools, January 30th is experienced in a special way. Throughout the morning, classrooms become spaces for reflection and creativity. Some schools work with stories and tales adapted to each age group to talk about peace, respect, or friendship, sparking simple yet meaningful discussions. In others, students write messages or wishes for a more peaceful world, which are then shared on collective murals or read aloud in the playground. Symbolic gestures are also common, such as forming the word “peace” together or releasing handmade paper doves, reinforcing the idea of community and shared commitment.
Some schools take advantage of this day to link peace with concrete actions, such as solidarity campaigns, peer mediation activities, or projects that promote inclusion and equality. In this way, the message moves beyond theory and becomes tangible, relatable, and easy for students to understand.
Educating for peace is not the work of a single day, but having a dedicated date helps to remember its importance and give it visibility. Sowing these values from childhood is an investment in a more conscious, respectful, and less violent society. Because peace is not improvised in adulthood: it is learned, practiced, and nurtured from the very first years.
