WISE-ED Report: The Global Impact of Day of Play – A Vision for Peace Through Play

Our vision—Play for Peace—is grounded in the belief that play transcends language, politics, and fear.

Around the world, the Day of Play was celebrated with remarkable creativity, resilience, and hope. From refugee camps in the Middle East to inner-city schools in Latin America, children gathered to play—demonstrating that even in the most fragile environments, joy and peace can thrive through simple, shared human experiences.

At WISE-ED, we believe in the transformative power of play. Our vision—Play for Peace—is grounded in the belief that play transcends language, politics, and fear. It builds trust, fosters empathy, and opens pathways for dialogue across generations and divides. Day of Play was more than just a celebration—it was a statement: play is powerful. In conflict zones, refugee camps, urban slums, and rural villages, children gathered to laugh, run, paint, and connect—proving that even in fractured places, joy can sow the seeds of peace.

One powerful moment came from a teacher traveling back from a school in a high-conflict zone. Along the dusty roadside, a group of youth—many known to be part of local gangs—were gathered. The teacher stopped, stepped out of the car, and began kicking a ball around. What started as a tense moment turned into a spontaneous two-hour tournament. They played until sunset. Then, with smiles and waves, everyone parted ways. That day, a ball became a bridge.

Play brings peace.

As part of our Children for Peace Initiative, WISE-ED is empowering youth to use art, photography, and sports as tools for peacebuilding. These creative expressions allow children to tell their stories, celebrate their cultures, and imagine a more peaceful world. Whether through a photo exhibition in Nairobi or a street football match in Gaza, children are showing us that play is not just leisure—it’s leadership.

Together, we are building a movement where every child, no matter where they live, has the right to play, to dream, and to live in peace.

Our initiative promoting Play for Peace is grounded in science and lived experience. Research in cognitive and developmental psychology shows that play activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for empathy, impulse control, and problem-solving. These are the very skills that form the foundation of peaceful societies. Play nurtures cooperation, emotional regulation, and trust—especially when shared across differences.

Global Momentum for Peace Through Play

• Colombia: Former child soldiers are now participating in peace football leagues, building reconciliation through sport.

• Palestine & Israel: Mixed teams of Arab and Jewish youth play soccer together through joint community programs, fostering dialogue.

• Ukraine: Displaced children are using art therapy and theater to express trauma, rebuild identity, and create messages of peace.

• Rwanda: After the genocide, drumming circles and traditional dance programs have been used to heal and connect youth across ethnic lines.

WISE-ED’s "Children for Peace" Initiative

Through art, photography, sports, and storytelling, our Children for Peace initiative helps young people become peacebuilders in their own communities. From mural projects in Kenya to photo exhibitions in Liberia and sports tournaments in Jordan, we are equipping youth to lead healing through creative expression.

Our vision is simple yet radical: Every child has the right to play. Every child has the power to promote peace.

Play is not a luxury. It is a strategy for peacebuilding. It is the language of healing, the beginning of understanding, and the heartbeat of hope.

Play for All Ages: Building Bridges Across Generations

Peacebuilding isn’t just for children—it’s a multigenerational effort. Across the communities we serve, we’ve seen how play reconnects families, rebuilds trust between generations, and strengthens community resilience. Elders participate in traditional games and storytelling, while young people bring energy through sports and art. This shared joy fosters mutual respect and opens space for intergenerational dialogue—healing rifts caused by conflict, displacement, or social isolation. In BOH Clubs, we've even seen grandparents and teenagers co-create murals or form mixed-age volleyball teams, showing that play has no age limit when it comes to building unity.

Expanding Year-Round Access Through Bridge of Hope Clubs

To sustain this momentum beyond a single day, WISE-ED is expanding its Bridge of Hope (BOH) Clubs to create permanent, year-round spaces for play and peace. These clubs serve as safe hubs where children, youth, and adults can gather to engage in creative activities, sports, and community storytelling. BOH Clubs are also introducing "Play Ambassadors for Peace"—trained youth leaders who use games and expressive arts to mediate conflict and promote inclusion. By embedding play into the fabric of everyday life, we’re not only celebrating joy—we're investing in a culture of peace that endures across seasons and generations.