Peace Circle® – A Scalable Model for Values-Based, Community-Driven Learning

Abstract Book of the 8th World Conference on Teaching and Education

Year: 2025

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Peace Circle® – A Scalable Model for Values-Based, Community-Driven Learning

Mika Vanhanen

ABSTRACT:

Peace Circle® is an internationally adaptable learning model that integrates environmental awareness, peace education, and community engagement into a tangible, symbolic learning space. Developed from over 25 years of global experience in environmental and peace education, Peace Circle® was born from the Plant and Care for Peace initiative in response to the war in Ukraine. Today, it serves as a transformative pedagogical tool across diverse cultural and geographic contexts. Each Circle includes four symbolic elements — the Peace Tree, ABC Paths, Meadow of Life, and Circle of Guardians — creating a meaningful space rooted in local wisdom, shared responsibility, and intergenerational dialogue. What makes Peace Circle® truly innovative is its hybrid format: the physical site is complemented by a Digital Twin platform offering virtual access, storytelling modules, and global collaboration tools. Designed for co-creation with schools, municipalities, and civil society, the model promotes shared ownership and long-term engagement. It redefines peace not just as the absence of conflict, but as a harmonious relationship with the Earth, inspired by Indigenous wisdom. Peace Circle® represents a new frontier in place-based learning — fostering empathy, connection, and environmental stewardship in both physical and digital realms.

Keywords: Peace education, Values-based pedagogy, Place-based learning, Community engagement, Intergenerational learning, Environmental education