ANNUAL REPORT
Young Ambassadors for Peace
Presented By :
The YAP programme partnered with eight schools in the London Borough of Harrow, with each school nominating six pupils to take part in the programme.
Overview
The young leaders engaged in a series of events throughout the year, providing them with opportunities to develop skills for effective communication, collaboration and leadership, empowering them to become effective young advocates for peace Pupils explored finding peace within themselves (module 1), peace with others (module 2), and peace with nature (module 3). Each school received peace education packs containing materials, lesson plans, and practical ideas to support pupils in developing daily practices and in leading lessons and assemblies in their schools.
The schools that took part in the project were
1 Belmont Primary School
2.Grange Primary School
3.Norbury Primary School
4.Stag Lane Primary School
5.St George’s Primary School
6 St John’s C of E Primary School
7.The Welldon Park Academy
8.West Lodge Primary School
Peace Education Day
Launch of the programme and a focus on the first theme: peace within the self.
Young Peacemakers Conference
The second YAP day was a focus on the second theme: peace with others.
Peace Picnic
The third YAP event focused on exploring the third theme: peace with nature.
Peace Festival
The fourth YAP event was a celebration of the impact of the programme and an opportunity for pupils and schools to receive recognition for their work in bringing peace to their communities.
The roadmap outlines the timeline of events that will take place across the academic year.
Peace Education Day
At this event, which was aligned with the UN International Day of Peace in September, participating pupils learnt techniques for creating peace within. They also worked together to create an action plan for introducing the concepts covered back at school.
Young Peacemakers Conference
At this event, which was aligned with anti-bullying week and interfaith week, the children explored the theme of selfrespect as the foundation for creating peace with others. They learnt how to develop a range of inner powers to help address bullying and resolve conflict peacefully. They also learnt about themes that are common to all religions: ‘We have far more in common, than that which divides us. ’
Peace Picnic
The Peace Picnic was an outdoor event, aligned with Earth Day, where the children learnt about creating peace and harmony with nature, whilst developing an understanding of the interconnectedness of our existence.
Peace Festival
The Peace Festival was a celebratory event where the participating pupils shared the work they have done throughout the year and its impact. At this finale event each pupil, and each school, was awarded with a special certificate as recognition for their hard work and commitment.
Peace Education Day
Peace Within the Self (Module 1)
Aim:
The Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP): A transformative project initiated by the Brahma Kumaris, Inner Space Wembley (UK) aims to empower children to become ambassadors for peace and agents of positive change in their communities was successfully launched for the second year running early in the autumn term of 2024, with the Peace Education Day which aims to guide the children to an understanding of peace within the self.
Welcome: The day began with , officially welcoming pupil delegations from the participating schools from Harrow accompanied by their lead adults and staff The event got off to a lively start with a range of engaging and energising activities.
Meditative Candle Lighting Ceremony and Watering of Saplings: Sister Jayanti, Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris, lit the candle of Peace to officially launch the YAP Project and to mark the UN International Day of Peace After charging their water with powerful Om Shanti vibes, lead adults and pupils watered saplings and Magnolia plants during an uplifting ceremony.
GoodWishesfortheProject: Alex Bell, leadershipcoach and former headteacher, shared storiesandpicturesabouthisinspiringinternationaleducationandoutreachprogrammes and explained how he discovered that the word ‘peace’ seems to have a universal resonancewithchildren.
PeaceGym:The children werethen led through an energising and imaginative session on the power of peace. The keen young ambassadors took part in a range of stimulating activities including role play, as they discovered the importance of ‘Peace Gym’: daily practicestodiscoverandstrengthenpeacewithin.
Peace Ambassadors Song: Rapper, Lacky C, led an inspiring session where children participated in singing the Peace Ambassadors Song, a celebration of the YAP secret mission-to spread peace! A delightful, powerful performance which left the young ambassadorswantingmore!
Discovering The Secret: The children were then led through a story that framed their participation in the YAP programme as a call to adventure – a journey filled with tests, challengesand personalgrowth –whilealsoguidingthemtoward adeeperunderstanding ofthesecrettodiscoveringinnerpeace.
Peace Pledges: After wishing good luck to the pupils, Sister Jayanti led them into a their commitmenttofosteringadeepinnerpeaceandconnectionwiththeSelf,theirpeersand theirschoolcommunities.
Forthisopening daythe 8schoolsweresplit intotwocohorts-withthelaunchestaking place on 20 September (at Global Co-operation House) and on 20 October (at Inner SpaceWembley).
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Young Peacemakers Conference
Aim:
Peace with Others (Module 2)
Module 2 of the YAP project aims to explore the theme of self-respect as the foundation for creating peace with others and resolve conflict. To accommodate all 8 participating schools the conference took place on the Wednesday 13th November 2024 and Wednesday 20th November 2024 at Inner Space Wembley (ISW)
The Foundation for Peace: The first session of the day explored the idea that the foundation of peace begins with how we see ourselves. The children reflected on the transformative power of positive self-talk and learnt that peace with others is rooted in self-esteem–andthatthisinnerfoundationneedstobestrong!
DigForGold: ThePowerofseeingthePositive: Next,thepupilswereaskedto‘digforgold’ and explore what makes themselves and others special and unique. An uplifting, mindful activityforboththegiverandreceiverof‘gold’.
Where is my Vision? A thought-provoking session where the children were inspired to reflect on a whether their energy is dissipated through thinking about what’s past and gone or regenerated through a quest tofind inner peace and beauty?
Self-Respect and Friendship: The children explored the importance of accepting others and being true to who you are and your uniqueness. The seat of selfrespect is a natural place to be, as opposed to the seat of self-pity and self-arrogance The key message: When we’re able to resist negativity from others it allows them to let it go of it, creating peace and harmony.
The 8 Powers: Throughout the day the were children were introduced to the 8 inner powers – a range of superhero abilities that help in everyday situations and challenges. Learning to apply the right power at the right time is the key! The pupils explored how to resolve conflicts in a range of scenarios using the powers they had learnt about.
Anti Bullying Week: Choose Respect: Rapper, Lacky, explored the theme of Anti-Bullying Week 2024 and described his personal experiences of being bullied at school. In ‘Be Ok’ Lacky described the pain of isolation, loss of hope but the song ends on a note of positivity. Having survived years of bullying he had found the power to journey back to the seat of self-respect through spiritual practices
The Golden Rule: The Young Ambassadors for Peace watched a video in which faith leaders from around the world reflected on the importance of finding common ground acrossfaiths
The children then worked in small groups to explore phrases from the sacred texts of various religions, searching for common themes. They discovered that the image of God as light appears across many faiths, and they also uncovered the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.”
Through this activity, the children deepened their understanding of our shared humanity and the values that unite us across cultures and beliefs.
Peace Picnic-Nature Quest
Peace with Nature (Module 3)
Aim:
Module 3 of the programme takes the children on a Nature Quest, where they learn about creating peace and harmony with nature whilst developing an understanding of the interconnectedness of our existence. The event took place in the grounds of Global Retreat Centre (GRC), Oxford on Wednesday 2nd April 2025.
Morning Activities: Groups of young ambassadors took part in 5 rotational workshops led by experienced students of Raj Yoga Meditation to explore the 5 elements connecting with the inherent Virtues. Followed by picnic lunch .
Afternoon Collaborative Activity- Mandala Artwork: The children gathered in the secret garden and were then guided through the creation of a large scale collaborative piece of art: Nature Mandala. The process started with one child placing a stone in the middle of the canvas. Children placed pinecones, feathers, twigs, stones, leaves, petals, pebbles, shells and beads around the central stone to create organic ‘layers’ of the mandala finally finishing with a layer of white stones. Pupils gathered around the mandala and were connected by holding one piece of string, this was held in place for a few silent moments creating a powerful and peaceful atmosphere. The interconnectedness and harmony of existence was experienced.
‘Earth’Quality-Wisdom: Thechildren gathered amongst the beech trees where Marneta, dressed as Earth, shared that earth represents the wisdom of nature YAPs experienced feelinggroundedandrechargedastheyexploredthewisdom of how everything in nature is connected. With this understandingcomesanaturalloveandrespectfornature:in respecting nature, we are honouring and respecting ourselvesaswe’reallapartofnature
‘Water’ Quality - Love: The children gathered behind the chapel,wheredressedastheelementofWater,Samanthagot themtovisualisethemselvesasadropofwaterpassingdown a mountain. They pondered on all the things that water gives lifeto, andthat inthesameway,thequalityoflove brings life to everything it touches, through kindness and care. They agreedonapledgetosavewater!
‘Fire’Quality - Purity: In the courtyard, Minal, dressed as Fire, helpedthechildrenexplorethemanyqualitiesoffire:warmth, light, energy, and transformation They reflected on the ‘fire within’ a space where negative emotions can be released, allowing truth, honesty, and inner purity to shine through. Eachchildwrotedownsomethingtheywishedtoletgoofand castitintotheflames,revealingthepuregoldwithin.
‘Air’ Quality - Happiness: On the grassy bank, Pearl, dressed as Air, guided the children to reflect on the lightness and freedomthatcomesfrombreathingincleanair.Theyrealised thattheupliftedfeelingitbringsisalreadywithinthem.Tosee ‘airin action’,theyjoined in a joyful activitythatcapturedthe playful,upliftingspiritofhappiness.
‘Ether’Quality-Peace:ThechildrengatheredattheLabyrinth to celebrate the element of Ether with Gudrun. They discovered that the energy and vibration of our thoughts travelsthroughtheetherelementconnectedtopeace. Pupils walkedinsilentcontemplationthroughthelabyrinthandwith each mindful step walked the inner labyrinth of the mind till theyreachedthecentrepointofpeace.
Peace Walk
On Friday, 16th May 2025, YAPs, accompanied by lead adults, gathered at the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Harrow. Sister Jasu warmly welcomed everyone with a brief address, followed by a peace moments. The group then began a peace walk to HarrowTown Centre, proudly carrying their peace banners. They were joined by distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Harrow, Anjana Patel, the Chair and members of Harrow Interfaith, local councillors, and members from the Metropolitan Police BBC Radio 4 was also in attendance, later broadcasting coverage of the event. Members of the public witnessed the YAPs from Grange School collectively perform an inspiring peace rap and lead a short meditation, promoting unity and harmony within the community..
School Visits
Throughout the year, a number of school visits took place to see the inspiring ways in which the Young Ambassadors for Peace have shared the message of peace within their school communities. These visits also offered ongoing support and guidance, helping the YAPs grow in confidence and purpose as ambassadors of peace – whether through leading assemblies, organising events, or supporting younger pupils.
Peace Festival 2025
Celebration ofthe whole programme.
Aim
The programme concluded with a special community event held at Global Cooperation House, London, on Friday 13th June 2025. Each participating school had the opportunity to share their journey through a creative exhibition and a stage performance, celebrating what they had learned throughout the year. This final event was a chance for pupils to showcase their efforts and receive recognition for the meaningful work they carried out in their school communities. They presented in front of an audience of parents, families, staff, vernors, local dignitaries from Brent and Harrow, and other invited guests. Each pupil received a personalised certificate to mark their role as a Young Ambassador for Peace, and each school was presented with a framed certificate o honour their contribution to building a more peaceful world.
Exhibition
Parents, families, pupils and guests all got to view a themed exhibition prepared by each school. This was a chance for the YAPs to flex their creativity muscles and showcase all that they had learnt and been inspired by during the year. The exhibition was made up of posters, photos, inspirational quotes, virtue pebbles, a virtue tree and much more! The connection between peace and nature especially shone through and so did the hard work and dedicati oftheYAPs and school leads!
StageEvent
MCs, Minal and Sam, introduced special guests: the King’s representative for Brent, the Mayor of Brent, the former Mayor of Harrow, Deputy Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, Alex Bell, Elaine Jackson from the Met Police and Sister Maureen. Each school presented on their theme and at the end each school and pupil was presented with a personalised certificate.
Stag Lane Primary School. Theme: The Power of Inner Stillness YAPs stood on stage and recited a poem, ‘The Quiet Inside’ about going inside when life gets too much. Their teacher explained how the project had taught the youngsters tools and life skills to deal with difficult situations.
St Johns C of E Primary School. Theme: Strengthening the Inner Compass. The YAPs read a poem about sharing peace with others to help them. Their teacher shared how the YAP project had helped strengthen the religious practises of the school such as promoting peace and cooperation
Norbury Primary School Theme: Using our Inner Power to create Peace. YAPs explored the word ‘peace’ in various languages to show how peace is a common thread across all cultures and nationalities! Their teacher shared how they used the Powers to instil fairness and inclusion in their school.
Belmont Primary School. Theme: Walking Lightly on the Earth. The YAPs read ‘The Path of Peace’ which illustrates the power of connecting with nature! Their teacher said the transformation of the YAPs had a positive impact on their school
St Georges Primary School. Theme: Building Bridges and Unity in Diversity. As pupils shared a beautiful rendition of ‘Make me a Channel of Your Peace’ via a flute and violin combination, guests enjoyed a moment of peace Their teacher shared how the group had wholeheartedly embraced the YAP journey and developed the ability to empower others!
West Lodge Primary School. Theme: Creating Ripples of Peace. The YAPs gave an energetic performance in a role play which showcased the impact of the programme and the ‘rippling’ effect of peace. Their teachers shared how they enjoyed seeing the YAPs progress and grow in confidence.
The Welldon Park Academy. Theme: Guardians of a Peaceful Planet. Dressed as Guardians of Peace with green sashes and peace crowns each YAP shared how they had benefitted from the project. Their teacher observed how they had resolved conflicts at school, led meditation commentaries and shown compassion.
Grange Primary School. Theme: The Future we Imagine. Through a powerful role play the YAPs demonstrated how fear, sorrow and hate can be transformed by peace into positive virtues like humility and love! The Headteacher shared how both YAPs and adults had benefited from the project.
Honouring theYAPs
To show their appreciation, the audience rose to give the Young Ambassadors for Peace a well-deserved standing ovation.
Special Guests
The MCs welcomed several special guests to the stage The King’s (formerly Queen’s) representative for Brent praised the YAP programme as imaginative and creative, wishing it continued success in spreading peace across Harrow and beyond. Councillor Ryan Hack, the youngest Mayor of Brent, spoke of the future being in “strong hands” and said the YAPs' creativity offered hope. He thanked the Brahma Kumaris, saying, “This initiative plays a vital role in empowering young people to become ambassadors for peace.”
The former Mayor of Harrow expressed his appreciation for the YAPs, saying he had learned much from them, and Deputy Mayor of Brent, Selim Choudhary, thanked the Brahma Kumarisfor their inspiring commitment to peace
Reflections and Recognition
Sister Maureen spoke joyfully about peace as something that lives within us and brings joy to life. She led a beautiful meditation in which everyone was reminded that peace is our true nature – and something we can radiate into the world
She and Sister Daxa then presented each YAP with a personalised certificate, and teachers were awarded framed certificates and a gift on behalf of their school. Proud group photos were taken to mark the occasion.
Final Blessings
The evening closed with a final meditation from Sister Maureen, who reminded everyone that peace is a gift we all carry – and that we each have the power to awaken it in others. Before leaving, guests received a sweet treat and a unique blessing card, chosen just for them It was a memorable end to a truly special celebration
Wider Impact : Reaching Beyond theSchool Gates
This year, the impact of the YAP programme extended far into our communities:
Care Home Visits – YAPs brought joy, companionship and compassion to older members of the community through thoughtful conversations, music, and shared stories
Assemblies – The Young Ambassadors led assemblies and sessions in their schools, spreading messages of peace, kindness, and understanding to their peers
Parent Involvement – Families supported the journey of each YAP by engaging with the pupils’ learning, supporting their daily practice and through reflective conversations at home, attendance at events, and feedback on the programme's impact.
Community Events - The YAPs brought the message of peace to the local community through the Peace Walk and Finale events - where they performed peace raps and guided members of the public and local leaders through peace experiences
Panel Discussion – A small group of YAPs took part in a livestreamed panel discussion with a BBC Radio 4 journalist where they shared their learning, insights and the practical impact that theYAP programme had on them, their schools and their families.
Thank You
To every pupil, teacher, parent, facilitator, and community partner – thank you. Your commitment, creativity, and belief in the power of peace has shaped a programme that is changing livesfrom the inside out.
Get Involved
If your school or organisation would like to take part in the Young Ambassadors for Peace programme, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit: wembley.innerspace.org/services/yap
Email: wembley@innerspace.org
Let us continue our journey towards a peaceful world guided by the inspiring steps of ourYoung Ambassadorsfor Peace.