GNRC

Palestine, a country on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, to the south of Lebanon, and to the west of Jordan is uniquely a holy land in three of the world’s major religions–Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. One of the basic components and values ​​that Palestine lacks and aspires to achieve is peace since it is a country under occupation. Various Palestinian institutions

GNRC Argentina participated in the third World Forum on Human Rights held in Buenos Aires from 20th to 24th March 2023. They made a presentation led by their Coordinator, Ms. Ana Maria Verilla, Claudio Fuentes, a GNRC member, and Mr. Joni, GNRC member, on activities by GNRC Argentina.  Ms. María José Ananias, Coordinator, GNRC Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), also

Engaging Children in Decision Making  Adultcentrism is the tendency of adults to view children and their problems from a biased, adult perspective, thus creating barriers to effective practice with children.  How do we change structural patterns of adultcentrism in our work with children and adolescents?  To answer this question, and develop an interreligious, intercultural, and intergenerational project,

Child labor is a violation of human rights and a barrier to social and economic development. Governments, employers, workers, and civil societies should join forces and take concrete actions to eliminate child labor in all its forms. Guided by this year’s theme of the World Day Against Child Labor, ‘Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!’, hundreds

‘Imagine a world where people live in harmony, appreciating and respecting their diversity.’  With this, and committed to shared values, common humanity, and the infinite value of human life, GNRC Peru convened a parents-children meeting on 3rd June 2023. The meeting brought together people from the Bahai, Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran Church of Peru, and Muslim Communities to

Mr. Hafez Taraman  Media Personality and Humanitarian Activist from Syria  Mr. Hafez has been active in media work since 2012 and worked with several local and foreign channels until 2017. He set foot in humanitarian work with several local Syrian organizations. In 2018, he launched initiatives— including Kids Future for children in the city of Maarat al-Numan. The initiative

Mr. Hafez Taraman  Media Personality and Humanitarian Activist from Syria  Mr. Hafez has been active in media work since 2012 and worked with several local and foreign channels until 2017. He set foot in humanitarian work with several local Syrian organizations. In 2018, he launched initiatives— including Kids Future for children in the city of Maarat al-Numan. The initiative

GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina  “Our motivation to work with children on the move is founded in the essence of interreligious dialogue, peace, love, togetherness and the empathy we have for them. We desire to create a safe space, respecting all differences, attitudes and opinions.”  ~ Ms. Ismeta Salihspahic  On the World Day of Prayer and

Fostering a Culture of Peace The Day of the African Child observed annually on June 16th, commemorates a significant event in South African history that led to the loss of innocent lives but ultimately served as a catalyst for change. In 1971, over 20,000 studentsin Soweto protested against the oppressive apartheid regime’s education policies, specifically demanding to be taught in their own

Youth Peacebuilding and Economic Empowerment “Empowering young minds through entrepreneurship, interfaith dialogue, and inclusive policies fosters sustainable peace and prosperity. Together let’s bridge gaps and build a harmonious future.” Rev. Fred Nyabera  “We were created into diverse nations so that we can get to know and work together. We, therefore, need to embrace each other

Educational and Living Conditions of Children in Africa  In the spirit of collaboration and strengthening the Network, and as a member of the Arigatou International family, GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina (GNRC BiH) joined the rest of the GNRC members and the world in commemorating the Day of the African Child on 16th June 2023. To mark this auspicious day, a workshop

Hope Away from Home On June 20, we, together with millions around the world, and led by the UNHCR, mark World Refugee Day, a day to celebrate the resilience and courage of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety in other countries. It is also a day to raise awareness and solidarity for their plight

Harnessing the Bountiful Honey of Cameroon Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature,” is a land blessed with natural beauty and abundant resources. Among its many treasures, lies the thriving apiculture sector, where traditional and adapted methods are harnessed to produce pure, natural, and high-quality honey. The unique geographical location of Cameroon, coupled with

“Children are not a problem to be solved, but a resource that needs investing in.” ~ Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid What role do you think children have in advocating for their rights and well-being? And how powerful do you think their voices are?  This came to play during the inaugural Africa Children Summit, where children

Humanitarian Aid to Families Affected by the Earthquake in Syria Imagine having your life turned upside down in a single moment. One minute all is well and the next, everything around you is turned into a heap of rubble and dust. You are left helpless, worrying about your safety and that of your loved ones…but mostly saddened

Unity in Religious Diversity On 29th March 2023, GNRC Indonesia launched its committee in an online event, under the theme “Preserve and Celebrate Interfaith Diversity with Indonesian Children.” GNRC members in Indonesia participated from five regions; Pontianak-West Kalimantan, Poso-Central Sulawesi, Ambon-Maluku, Jember-East Java, and Yogyakarta.   The event began with welcome remarks from Ms. Lian Gogali,

We live in a globalized era where the world has become a global village with technological advancements making it easier for the world to connect. Many economies have opened, helping more and more countries improve the living standards of their citizens and empowering many to step out of ‘traditional’ set expectations. Although greatly beneficial, globalization is a double-edged sword that has come with

Building Family Resilience Against Violent Extremism: Women of Faith in Action Women’s role in providing food, education, and shelter for their families cannot be underestimated. I refer to a quote by William Golding “Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater, if you give her groceries, she will give you a meal, if you

A GNRC Success Story – The Dress-Making Enterprise  The launch of the GNRC Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Committee on February 2nd, 2023, was a resounding success, with numerous positive reports of impacts on the local community. Through the funds received from GNRC, the committee members were able to undertake several activities that have improved the lives of vulnerable children and families

“We have to be more responsible with our words and behaviors.” – 15-year-old girl from Bistrita GNRC Romania organized a series of activities from May 25th to June 15th, 2022, to promote the importance of children in raising awareness to end bullying in schools. The activities were held in fifteen schools in Bucharest, reaching 2000 primary and

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”  — Mother Teresa  We had the privilege of meeting Ms. Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil, a Kenyan peace mediator, community mobilizer, and winner of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2023. Popularly known as Mama Shamsa, she joined GNRC through a programme

GNRC Pakistan led by Search for Justice and Children Advocacy Network (CAN-Pakistan) along with the National Commission for Human Rights, established the Provincial Coordination Forum to End Child Domestic Labor. The first meeting of the forum, to discuss child domestic labor and child sexual exploitation was held on December 27th, 2022, in Punjab, Pakistan.  Government

“My motto for change and work is: “INSPIRE.ACT.CHANGE! My biggest success is when I see that one of my students made a positive CHANGE in the globe” – Ms. Zvonimira Jakić, Youth Coordinator GNRC Ms. Zvonimira Jakić, during a consultation with GNRC leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Visoko  The post #EVERYDAYHEROES features Ms. Zvonimira Jakić, Youth Coordinator GNRC appeared

On 2nd January 2023, GNRC Democratic Republic Of Congo (D.R.C) launched its committee in a hybrid event, held in Goma. The event brought together, eighty-six participants, children and adults included. The launch is among many, following efforts toward strengthening and reinvigorating the Network.­ The event started with a word of prayer from Reverend Katakia, and a

PEACE: A Collective Responsibility The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity awarded Kenyan peacebuilder Ms. Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil known as ‘Mama Shamsa’, a GNRC Member, as co-honoree of the 2023 award. The award recognizes honorees from around the world for their contributions to building a more peaceful, and compassionate world based on the values of human fraternity. Mama Shamsa is

Coimbatore Vizha: Journey to Unity On January 4th, 2023, GNRC India held the 15th annual edition of the ‘Journey for Unity’, the first public interfaith outreach for 2023, as part of the Coimbatore Vizha. The interfaith-intergenerational journey celebrates the cultural and religious diversity of the city of Coimbatore.   Present at the event were 213 adults,

On July 26th, 2022, GNRC India launched its committee in a virtual event that had over sixty adults and one hundred and twenty children participants from different faiths, mainly Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Mr. Vijayaragavan Gopal, Coordinator, GNRC India, shared their vision, introduced their initiatives, and outlined the role of the committee members. “A

GNRC member Djeca Crne Gore-Children of Montenegro focuses on children and youth living with disability. Since 2016, we have provided sessions for children with psychologists, speech therapists, social workers, and personal assistants, free of charge, with support from donors. This is because it is a challenge to get experts who can work with children in areas where most people speak Albanian.

On September 19th, 2020, GNRC South Africa launched the Zimbali Zonke Garden4Life Project at a children’s interfaith day camp. The launch owed to the run-up to the United Nations International Day of Peace. Since its launch, the project has continued to be a platform to share and take action to mitigate climate change. South Africa is particularly vulnerable to the

Why we must focus on young people to turn back the tide THE POLYCRISIS: INTERWOVEN CRISIS IMPACTING THE VULNERABLE Phrases like ‘disasters’, ‘catastrophes’, ‘calamities’, ‘tragedies’, or ‘emergencies’ no longer sufficiently describe the mega-threats humanity is facing. Rather, we are, because of a series of crises that are ‘interconnected, entwining and worsening one another’ – a

GNRC Kenya committee was launched on 27th October 2022 in a hybrid event held at the Savelberg Retreat Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The event brought together sixty-two participants, from the Christian, Islamic, and Sikh faiths, in a bid to strengthen and reinvigorate the Network.  The event began with prayers from two children from Tenderlings Primary School, and welcome remarks from Sheikh. Ramadhan Aula, Coordinator, GNRC Kenya. Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, Secretary General,

On 15th September 2022, GNRC Burundi launched its committee, in a bid to strengthen and reinvigorate the Network. The launch took place in Bujumbura, Burundi, bringing together thirty-eight participants, in a hybrid event, that included faith leaders, women, men, and children.  Ms. Sandrine Nkurunziza, Coordinator, GNRC Burundi, gave the participants an overview of GNRC Burundi’s work

GNRC Romania committee was launched on 3rd September 2022 in Sinaia, Romania. In a hybrid event themed Building an interfaith-inspired world for our children, our responsibility for their future, the launch brought together forty-four participants, including school representatives, religious leaders, experts in education, and psychologists, in a bid to strengthen and reinvigorate the Network.   Ms. Laura Molnar, Coordinator, GNRC

On Saturday, 27th August 2022, GNRC Bhutan launched its committee in a hybrid event in Lanjophakha Thimphu, Bhutan to strengthen and reinvigorate the Network. 113 participants attended the event, among them, faith leaders, men, women, and children. The event was live streamed via the Youth Society of Social Services (YSSS) Facebook platform. GNRC Bhutan highlighted

GNRC Tanzania launched its committee on 31st August 2022 in a hybrid event at the United Nations (UN) House, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event, whose objective was to strengthen and reinvigorate the Network, brought together forty-two participants from the Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths. Seven committee members led by Ms. Joyce Mdachi, GNRC Coordinator

The first cohort of the GNRC Country Communications Associates (GCCAs) was inducted into the GNRC network on 17th August 2022 at a hybrid meet-and-greet session with the GNRC Secretariat. The meeting was to familiarize the GCCAs with the Secretariat staff and further deepen their understanding of their roles. The GCCAs were drawn from ten countries:

Responding to children’s needs in the refugee crisis in Ukraine GNRC members across the globe continue to show their solidarity with the children and people of Ukraine. GNRC members in Romania, led by their Coordinator, Ms. Laura Molnar, implemented several school projects to accommodate refugee children fleeing from neighboring Ukraine. They had classrooms in public

Transforming communities: Child gangs in Mombasa, Kenya “In my community, there are about ten known gangs that have recruited children and youth for criminal activities. Children are attracted to gangs because of different factors within their environment. Through the GNRC, I have learnt a lot. I now recognize the challenges faced by children in society

GNRC Pakistan was launched on 27th July 2022, in Lahore, Pakistan, at a ceremony that brought together twenty-nine (29) participants; among them, GNRC Pakistan committee members, led by the Coordinator Mr. Iftikhar Mubarik and representatives from different organizations and faith traditions namely, Islam and Christianity. Children were also represented. The event began with a recital

GNRC Lebanon Committee was launched on 8th June 2022 via an online event attended by a total of eighteen (18) participants from different faiths including Christianity, Islam, and Druze. Anthony Saade, a GNRC Youth committee member shared the activities that have been implemented in the efforts of the GNRC Lebanon to end violence against children.

GNRC Comoros Committee was launched on 30th June 2022 at a hybrid event, attended by a total of twenty-nine (29) participants, among them GNRC Comoros committee members, faith leaders, children and GNRC Coordinators from other countries under the leadership of the Country Coordinator, Mr. Said M’Changama Akim. Oustadh Safari Mohamed a member of GNRC committee,

GNRC South Africa was launched on 26th June 2022, in Durban, South Africa, at a ceremony that brought together sixty (60) participants; among them leaders from seven (7) different faiths, namely, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Singh, Bahai and the Jewish communities. Twelve (12) GNRC South Africa committee members led by Ms. Saydoon Sayed, the GNRC South

On 20th June 2022, the GNRC Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali together with the Nairobi Secretariat team, joined members from GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina to officially launch the GNRC Bosnia and Herzegovina Committee. The virtual event was attended by twenty-four (24) participants, among them faith leaders, a psychologist, coordinators and contact persons from other

Ismeta Begić, President, UŽ “Mozaik,” and GNRC Coordinator – Bosnia and Herzegovina Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and across Europe, is treated as a private matter, making it difficult to engage in interfaith activities that protect children. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, GNRC’s interfaith engagements began on the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children

The struggles and achievements of women across time and across the world cannot be commemorated in one day. Nonetheless, I take this moment to celebrate and honor the achievements made by women and girls across the GNRC Network and around the world on this important occasion of International Women’s Day. The theme of this year’s

On 6th December 2021, GNRC coordinators and contact persons from 57 countries that the GNRC is operating in, convened for a 3-hour virtual meeting to discuss the GNRC Assessment Report and plan its implementation. The meeting was graced by the GNRC Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali; the President of Shanti Ashram and Vice Chair

As we come to the end of 2021, we reflect on what has been a challenging year in which the world remained deeply impacted by COVID-19. Many are entering the holiday season gripped by stress and anxiety as a result of the pandemic. We take a moment to remember those who are grieving the loss

During the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children 2021 on 19th November 2021 held in Dubai, the GNRC Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, was invited to moderate a dialogue session on, “Prioritizing children’s social, emotional, and spiritual well-being in times of crisis.” The topic of discussion, which was within the overarching theme

On the occasion of the 2021 World Day of Prayer and Action for Children commemoration held on 19th November 2021 in Dubai, U.A.E, the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, convened a roundtable for coordinators and contact persons from the GNRC in the Middle East and the North

On 25th November 2021 the GNRC Secretariat through its Network in Kenya convened a roundtable meeting in Nairobi for partners to respond to the multi-dimensional impacts of COVID-19 on children and youth. The partner’s roundtable gathered together 20 participants from the Network in Kenya including representatives from the Department for Children Services, Islamic Foundation Kenya,

On the 19th of November 2021, GNRC members in the Middle East and the North Africa (MENA) region were invited by Prayer and Action for Children to the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children celebrations in Dubai, UAE. The event, which was inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance

The GNRC AS Local Workshop for Children in Preparation for the GNRC 4th Forum was organized from 7- 9 February 2012. It was attended by 30 children and youth from various Schools and religious communities in Cairo. Participants were Muslims (Sunni), Christians (Coptic Orthodox, Arab Orthodox, Coptic Catholic, Roman Catholic, Anglicans, and Protestants). They aged

An article presenting Arigatou International and its work, titled “How a Small Buddhist Movement is Teaching Children in the Interfaith World to Live Together” was published in The Interfaith Observer. Continue reading Arigatou International featured in The Interfaith Observer The post Arigatou International featured in The Interfaith Observer appeared first on Global Network of Religions

From the age of 17, Abdi (not his real name) was radicalized and recruited into violent extremism. A young boy from Kenya, he started his journey to join an extremist group active in Iraq and Syria, DAESH. His first attempt to join the group failed. Still determined to join what he misconstrued as ‘jihad’, he

On 29th September 2021, three representatives from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and the European Union paid a courtesy visit to one of the women groups in Jericho, Nairobi, running a small business start-up supported by GCERF, to observe the results sustained beyond the period of GCERF’s funding. The team that included

On 16th September 2021, the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y Ali, together with other partners launched the Fifth Edition of the ‘Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta’. Represenatives from Arigatou International Nairobi, Government of Kenya, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), GOOGLE, BRAVE, and The Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies attended

Every year on the 21st September, the world commemorates the International Day of Peace. This is an important day for humanity. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is, “Recovering better for an Equitable and Sustainable World.” We are in the midst of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic that has also affected all aspects

GNRC Joins Faith Leaders to Advocate for Peace in Africa: The GNRC Kenya Coordinator, Sh. Ramadhan Aula, was among the Eminent Persons Ecumenical Program for Peace in Africa (EPEPPA) delegates who met AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, (PAPS) H.E. Amb. Bankole Adegboyega Adeoye at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on 17th September

Women from the, “Building Family Resilience Against Violent Extremism: Women of Faith in Action,” Project in Mombasa organized a two-day children’s forum on 6th and 7th of August 2021 to reflect on the vital role of youth in promoting peace and preventing violent extremism in the community. The forums which focused on children and youth

It is hard to quantify the magnitude of problems that face Lebanon today. Our country is facing one of the worst financial crises since the 1800s with citizens witnessing scarcity in basic necessities such as food, water, medicine, fuel and electricity. Prices of commodities have tripled and theft in cities has increased. Children’s future is

On 13th August 2021 GNRC members in Kenya convened virtually to formalize a GNRC Committee in the country. A total of twenty one (21) participants attended the event, which was organized by the GNRC Country Coordinator, Kenya, Sh. Ramadhan Aula. In attendance to the meeting was the GNRC Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali. During

Thursday 12th August 2021 is the International Youth Day. It is a significant day in which we celebrate our youth. This year’s theme, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health,” highlights the fundamental need to collectively protect and rebuild our planet by promoting sustainable solutions for biodiversity. Our earth faces real danger.

GNRC–Tanzania is grieved by the recent passing of Mama Augustina Weria Mosha that occurred on 4th August 2021. Mama Mosha was a mother, sister, friend, leader and a mentor to many people. In her years of service, she touched and cared for many people who sought her counsel. I knew Mama Mosha back in 2008

The Arigatou International and its Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) are deeply saddened by the death of Rev. Telésforo Ramos Castañeda on August 4, 2021. Rev. Castañeda was a diligent member and treasurer of the National Committee of GNRC–Colombia. A Spiritual Director of Escuela Científica Basilio Culto a Dios, Rev. Castañeda was a noble

At the invitation of the Comorian government, GNRC Member in Comoros, Conseil de la Paix, was invited to a workshop on 24th and 25th of June 2021 to launch the compilation and dissemination of legal texts and literature on the protection of children and women in Comoros. The event aimed at reviewing the legal texts,

In a bid to promote a conducive environment for equity, coexistence and constructive teamwork, the GNRC Network in South Africa held its inaugural sports and intercultural ‘meet and greet’ event under the banner, “Youth Power: Growing South Africa Together in the Period of COVID-19 Through Sports,” on 4th July 2021. The event took place during

On 29th June 2021 GNRC Network in Burundi convened an event in Kiyange, Buterere (North of Bujumbura Capital) to celebrate the Day of the African Child, an annual event celebrated every 16th of June since 1991, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) first initiated it. The international day honors those who participated in the

Providing relief to low-income families, children and elders (cared for at homes) is an extremely important and urgent need within the context of the third wave of COVID-19 and the transmission restrictions in Sri Lanka. It is due to this dynamics that GNRC member in Sri Lanka is undertaking an exercise to attend to the

GNRC Member Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement continues to offer support to the less fortunate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, Sarvodaya has introduced its COVID-19 Relief Services that aim to respond to COVID-19 emergencies in Colombo and its environs. The Sarvodaya Emergency COVID-19 Relief Helpline Services, which started on 1st May 2021, has continuously operated since

The COVID-19 pandemic has left severe damage to the world economies including the stagnation of education. Institutions of learning were forced to close down due to the increase in COVID-19 infections. Learning was conducted online and those who could not afford online learning were forced to use the traditional mode of learning or missed it

In the month of May 2021, GNRC Member in Romania, Education for Change, undertook a two-week program for children under the theme, “Building Safe Learning Contexts for Students.” The program is being implemented by teachers to develop students’ skills to relate in a positive way with the others, equipping students with efficient methods to process

We lived in normal times, just getting over the worldwide Corona crisis, after most of the citizens have become vaccinated. Meanwhile the war broke out. Rockets are sent daily towards Israel and Israel is constantly and heavily bombarding Gaza. Inside Israel there are violent demonstrations mainly in the mixed cities. The very fragile web of

On 24th April 2021 GNRC member, Shanti Ashram, together with Focolare Movement, Arigatou International, University of Mumbai and other GNRC–India partners organized a meeting on, “Inter-generational Reflection and Dialogue on Rediscovering ‘humility’ and ‘humanity’ in the Midst of the COVID–19 Pandemic.” The virtual program attracted 2,127 people through Shanti Ashram’s Facebook live stream and 100

During the National South Africa Freedom Month, GNRC network in South Africa held a Children and Youth Interfaith Network (CAYIN) Freedom Month celebration on 24th April 2021 at the World Assembly of Muslim Youth in Durban, South Africa. Under the theme, “Children – Our Gift and Responsibility,” the CAYIN forum reflected on the many challenges

On 24th April 2021, GNRC members in Nairobi, Kenya led by the GNRC Coordinator, who is also the Director Center for Sustainable Conflict Resolution (CSCR), Sh. Ramadhan Aula Juma, conducted a cleanup exercise in Syokimau, Machakos County aimed at addressing Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established

On 22nd March – 8th April 2021, GNRC member in Kenya the Cry Of A Young One organized a three-week campaign for children and the community of Mathare, Nairobi to sensitize them on the rights of children as ascribed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The campaign also aimed at

The GNRC Coordinator in Comoros, Mr. Said M’Changama convened a 3-hour meeting at the beginning of March 2021 in the Office of His Eminence the Grand Mufti of Comoros to discuss GNRC-Comoros’ annual activity plan for the fiscal year 2021-2022. Eight (8) GNRC members representing their organizations attended the meeting. The evaluation of the network’s

The 4th edition of the Intergenerational Dialogue organized by Shanti Ashram, a member of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) in India, brought together young leaders to reflect on the theme, “Leadership and Community Service”. The 150-minutes meeting cohosted by Shanti Ashram and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, saw young people share their experience for

The economic and social effects of COVID-19 pandemic have been quite destructive to many lives. Many people have lost their jobs, others have had to relocate or even sell their properties so as to make ends meet. COVID-19 is eroding the progress made in development and infrastructure. The world is on the brink of falling

The GNRC Committee in South Africa convened a children’s and youth interfaith forum on 6th March 2021 to open up a space where children could share their thoughts on interfaith coexistence as well as give children an opportunity to build a child-friendly society. The one-day activity also aimed to increase participant’s awareness and knowledge about

2020 and 2021 have been years like no other with the world determined to find solutions for the pandemic and recover. As we adjust to the ‘new normal’, today we commemorate the International Women’s Day by upholding the place of women and girls in our societies. International Women’s Day is a global day marked annually

The Arigatou International Advisory Group Member, Sh. Ibrahim Lethome and the GNRC Coordinator for Kenya, Sh. Ramadhan Aula, represented the GNRC Secretary General in the 2nd Zanzibar Peace Conference on 16th January 2021 in Zanzibar. The two-day national conference, which was officially opened by the President and Chairman of the Revolution Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein

FRIENDS OF ZANZIBAR 2ND ZANZIBAR PEACE CONFERENCE Sustainable Peace for Sustainable Development: 16th January 2021 H.E. President of Zanzibar, and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, H.E. The First Vice President of Zanzibar, and Chairman, ACT Zanzibar, Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, H.E. the Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdallah, Grand Mufti of

On 27th December 2020, women beneficiaries from the Family Resilience project organized an informal meeting with children to enlighten them about the challenge of radicalization into violent extremism, and how they can protect themselves from becoming victims. The participants also commemorated the 20 years of interfaith collaboration for children by the Global Network of Religions

On 30th November 2020, Family Resilience project women leaders in Mombasa concluded their yearlong children’s peace building forums that have now reached about 8,000 children and youth in Kisauni and Nyali Constituencies. Through the Family Resilience project pioneered by the GNRC, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and Goldin Institute, 100 women were actively

The Network and Programs Coordinator of the GNRC, Dr. Dorcas Kiplagat, paid a courtesy visit to the women beneficiaries of the Family Resilience Project in Mombasa, Kenya on 27th December 2020. The visit was to evaluate progress of the five projects small and medium-sized enterprises based in Bombolulu area, comprising of Breakthrough Women Group that

This year marks 20 years since the inauguration of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC). In May 2000, Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto invited close to 300 faith leaders and grassroots child-rights organizations and individuals from the world’s major religious communities and spiritual traditions to Tokyo to launch the GNRC. Today, we celebrate 20 years

Under the banner of the Global Week of Faith in Action for Children, the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) convened a 2-hour virtual meeting on Wednesday 18th November 2020, to mark and celebrate 20 years of GNRC’s interfaith collaboration for children. Participants from more than 30 countries attended this session that had active

We all remember the momentous GNRC 5th Forum held in Panama City, Panama in May 2017. The Forum was attended by close to 600 participants from 70 countries. Since then, the GNRC Network has increased its membership by thousands. Before the Forum, GNRC was active in 41 countries. Two years after the Fifth Forum, GNRC became

The inviolable dignity of the child is recognized by each of the world’s major religions. Every child represents the sacredness of life—the mystery and meaning of human existence. People of all religious and spiritual traditions agree that every child is a promise, A sacred gift, A pledge for the future, To be nurtured, To be

Violent extremism is fast becoming a major threat to peace across the world. In the Eastern and Horn of Africa, as is the case in South Asia and Middle East, more and more young people are being recruited into violence by extremist groups and organizations. Women and girls have also been lured into terrorism. On

This year, we are commemorating the International Day of Peace as a raging global pandemic spreads. COVID-19 has affected the schooling of 1.5 billion children, pushed 86 million into begging and child labour, and by the end of 2020, will have driven 117 million more children into poverty. While 1 billion children were experiencing some

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN), the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Religion and Development (UN–MFAC) convened a global online conference, “Faith in the UN: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and looking to the future,” on 8th September 2020. The, “Faith in