Written by M.Sultani Intern Peace Center

Attending the Peace Encounters on Nurturing Hope event on  23 January 2025 with the Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation was a profoundly meaningful experience for me. As an Afghan boy who has spent the last five years away from home, studying at LCC University stated “I often carry feelings of displacement and longing. The theme, Nurturing Hope through Storytelling, provided a safe and inspiring space to share my challenges, listen to others, and discover hope” .

One of the most impactful parts of the event at LCC International University was sitting in a circle and talking openly about peace and hope. The listening circle, this student continued to share “fostered a sense of equality and connection; no one felt above or below another. Sharing my story of being far from Afghanistan, navigating cultural differences, and grappling with the uncertainty of my homeland’s future was deeply therapeutic. I felt heard and understood in a way I hadn’t in a long time”.

We also engaged in a creative activity—drawing what peace means to each person there. This exercise was surprisingly reflective for many. For the 4th year communications student,  he shared that he “drew a small, warm home, and I playing football with my friends in our yard symbolizing my longing for safety, belonging, and my Afghan roots. Seeing others’ drawings helped me understand that peace takes many forms, from nature to family to inner calm”.

Listening to others’ challenges in the circle reaffirmed that hope thrives in shared humanity. Through storytelling and creativity, many found not only healing but also a renewed belief that peace is possible, even in the smallest of ways.

For one student, the experience has echoes resonating with a famous 13th Century Persian poem written by  Saadi Shirazi . The following is the English translation.

All humans are part of one body,
Created from the same essence

If one part of the body is in pain,
The other parts can’t remain at rest

If you are indifferent to the suffering of others,
You cannot be truly called a human being.

This poem resonates deeply with the themes of peace and hope discussed during the Peace Encounters. It reminds us that our humanity is interconnected, and true peace comes from recognizing and caring for one another’s struggles. If one looked deep enough this poem shares many commonalities with other faith writings.   Sharing stories and listening to others, as we did in the circle, reflects the spirit of Saadi’s timeless wisdom.