KZN pupils learn meditation and mindfulness in peace-building programme - IOL

Sivananda World Peace Foundation International Peace Day schools programme.

The Sivananda World Peace Foundation marked International Peace Day on Monday with a schools programme focused on social cohesion, wellness and peace among young people.

Held at the Eniwe High School in KwaZulu-Natal under the theme “Serve. Love. Be Good, Do Good,” the event brought pupils together for meditation, breathwork, yoga, mindfulness and discussions on respect, moral regeneration and peaceful co-existence.

The initiative aims to equip pupils with practical tools to manage stress while encouraging tolerance and respect for different faiths and cultures.

Sivananda World Peace Foundation president Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, who is also the Royal Ambassador for Social Cohesion and Economic Development in the Zulu Kingdom, said peace-building should start with young people.

“When we teach a child to meditate, to breathe, and to live with respect for all faiths and cultures, we are planting the seed of a peaceful society. True peace starts in the classroom, with our youngsters,” he said.

The programme included yoga under the theme “Unity in Diversity” and  wellness and mindfulness sessions aimed at promoting emotional well-being among pupils.

The foundation said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to promote the teachings of Swami Sivananda through its Sivananda Peace Pillars initiative.

It is also continuing its youth development, scholarship and community upliftment programmes in rural KwaZulu-Natal, while preparing for the 12th International Day of Yoga.

The foundation said its school programmes are intended to encourage young people to become positive contributors to their schools and communities by promoting peace, respect and social cohesion.