The Kultura de Paz workshop held last March 17 offered a chance to move away from the usual lecture setup and try something more grounded. As part of the line-up of activities for WAVEs 2026, this program sits under the Justice and Peace component, following the JEEPGY framework that guides our alternative class experiences
The goal was simple: to talk about justice and peace not as abstract theories, but as things that affect our daily lives. It was encouraging to see students open up about their own experiences and listen to one another with genuine interest.
We talked a lot about the “democratic deficit” in our current political culture and what it means to put people back at the center of power. The session was designed to help us recognize that while individual effort is important, it is collective action that truly addresses social injustice. The energy in the room remained high as we explored how constructive, community-based conversation can lead to restorative justice and social healing.
These discussions are part of a larger effort to help everyone see that their voices matter. We want to encourage a shift from being passive observers to becoming active agents of peacebuilding. By identifying concrete pathways for involvement, we hope to weave our identity as Ateneans with our responsibility as citizens.
This program was made possible through the lead efforts of the Ateneo Peace Center, in collaboration with the Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance and the Ateneo Center for Culture and the Arts, and with the full support of the Formation Unit. This initiative also highlights our commitment to the Global Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as we work together to advocate for stronger democratic foundations.