Gandhi Peace Program
NIAM’s Gandhi Peace Program began in 2019 with the goal of bringing Mahatma Gandhi’s peace and non-violence teachings to underprivileged schools in Chicago. As 2019 was the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi, the program came to fruition at a meaningful time. The curriculum caters to Grades 2-5 and has been delivered to over 800 students in several Chicago Public Schools. The curriculum encompasses Gandhi’s incredible story but also teaches children the practice of meditation along with an art and writing component.
The program has received several positive reviews including the following from a CPS elementary school teacher:
“The students very much enjoyed learning about Gandhi’s unique methods of meditation and peaceful resistance to deal with the challenges of seeking independence. The skills my students took away from the meditation activity will help them control their emotions and actions. I found the content discussed with our students aligned with our social emotional curriculum. I’m grateful this program cares about teaching students positive coping mechanism that are part of essential life skills.”
