This seems to be an ambitious name for a group of young campers who are coming together for one week in August. But they come directly from or were born in twenty-five different countries. Many of their countries have seen strife and some of these young people have been personally exposed to it, have lost family members to killings, and have experienced horror. Coming to the Global Peace Summit is like entering a safe zone under the able guiding hands of the Amala Foundation staff.This space of trust and honesty allows many wounds to open and bleed, but also to be salved and healed.

As supporters of this peace endeavor we were honored to spend half a day in the presence of these youngsters (13 to 18 years of age). The talking circle, which on this day began with an interactive drumming, is the daily coming-together of the whole group. It offers them the opportunity to be grateful, but also share their deepest wounds. It was wonderful to see that help and support came directly from their peers, while staff mainly opened the emotional space and stood by to help if needed. It was gratifying to notice that the guiding principles of the Summit — Love, Respect, Honesty, community, One Village! had been internalized so quickly.

At this Summit peace is forged one heart and one friendship at a time. Young people, volunteers, and staff take these bonds back to their respective communities and enlarge the circle of peace. We are happpy to be part of this circle.