Singing, cooperative games and role-play are a part of every session in the Peace Room. In this class, children are taught that conflict is an inherent part of making peace rather than a topic to be avoided. They are also taught to listen to themselves and to each other. For some, the troubles are small. Park said these check-ins have helped the children become more tolerant toward a child who is being disruptive.
Kids can show more compassion and love if they know what is bothering the other person.
She would like to see Peace Circles instituted in all communal settings, even churches, believing they provide a practical antidote to violence born out of alienation. The children told Park stories that made her want to do more. A lot of what they were sharing with me is that their peace was being broken by guns, violence, drugs and fear. I wanted to give them hope, to give them the idea that they could be peacemakers in their own neighborhood. I didn't want to be just a blip on their computer screen.