While facilitating an AVP Basic Workshop with teachers from different public schools in Hemja, Pokhara, an important issue was raised during the activity on violence and nonviolence. One teacher shared that many students in her school come from abusive families. They are beaten, bullied, neglected, and emotionally hurt at home.

She said, “When I ask students politely to do something, many do not listen. Sometimes I feel forced to shout or even punish them physically. How can I create a nonviolent classroom in this situation?”

After she spoke, many other teachers agreed that they were facing the same challenge. There were 26 teachers in the workshop, much more than the usual number, and everyone was deeply connected with this discussion.

Through the AVP activity “Events, Feelings and Needs” and learning about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we began to understand something very important: children cannot respond positively when their basic needs are not met. If they do not feel safe, loved, respected, and accepted, learning becomes difficult.

This became a meaningful breakthrough for all of us.

Through open sharing, stories, and group discussions, we realized that children grow not only through textbooks, but through love, care, understanding, and support from home, school, and society.

One painful story about a misunderstood child touched everyone’s heart. It reminded us that punishment creates fear, but love and guidance can heal hearts and shape a better future.

Teachers spoke honestly about their struggles, hopes, and responsibilities. Together, they explored the roots of violence and created nonviolent visions and practical plans for building peaceful and caring schools.

For many teachers, experiential learning was a new and challenging experience in our traditionally formal education system. Yet their openness, curiosity, and willingness to learn gave us great hope.

This workshop was not only an AVP training. It became a moment of connection, healing, reflection, and hope for a better future for every child. We felt encouraged that violence in schools can be reduced significantly when teachers, families, and communities work together with compassion.

This experience touched something spiritual within me. It reminded me that peace work is not only about methods or techniques. It is about meeting people with humility, presence, understanding, and love.

Looking ahead, my heartfelt dream is to nurture a strong and committed AVP facilitator team in Pokhara — a team that grows in skills, and in compassion, awareness, and inner transformation. A team that carries not only knowledge, but also the living spirit of peace.
Thank you.

Handing over the certicipates who completed 3 days AVP basic workshops

Preparing a peaceable ideal school