Speaking Our Peace is a project undertaken by four women who live in three different countries. We always seek to bring you real stories of people who have done amazing things so that you may find some rays of hope in times of instability and turmoil. If that's what brings you to our podcast, this episode will surely be as informative as it is heartening.

In this episode, you will hear from Shaykh Dr. Al-Ninowy (the founder of the Madina Institute), Sushama Sharma (principal of the Anand Niketan school in India), and S. C. Behar (former Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh in India). There is so much we can learn from them, and hearing these three speak all together is powerful.

For more on Dr. Al-Ninowy's work, please visit www.madinainstitute.com

For more on Sushama Sharma's work, please visit www.anandniketan.com

Joe Cloutier has been an educator with a focus on high-risk populations for decades. Early in his career, he recognized that creativity and the arts were an avenue through which he could offer youth a way to express their stories and relate to one another. Over the years, Joe continued his work with his students, eventually leading him to help found Inner City High School, a not-for-profit independent high school that works with high-risk youth. 

In this interview, Annie spends time delving into Joe's personal story, from his childhood in inner city Toronto, to his time spent doing different jobs, and eventually becoming an educator. Joe's passion for what he does comes through clearly when he speaks about his work. 

To find out more about Inner City High, visit: https://innercity.ca/inner-city-high-school

Jill has been a peace activist for decades. We were fortunate to hear about the beginning of her journey into peace work, the work she is currently engaged in, and everything in between. 

We hope you come away with an understanding, not just of her impressive credentials (and let me tell you, they ARE impressive), but also with her humanity. Jill has a way of making a person feel seen and heard in an interaction, but coupled with this is a sense of drive and focus that makes one feel as though her attention would not have come upon you if not for a good reason.

We hope, during this episode, you discover your "good reason".

Email: [email protected]

IG and Twitter: @ourpeacepodcast

www.speakingourpeace.com

Sidney Kairu's interview, to me, is unique. As a self-described introvert, he offers his perspective and artistic viewpoint to us in his decision to march with Jai Jagat from Delhi until the march was stopped in Armenia. His words may serve as inspiration for those of us who wish to bring their own gifts and strengths into the movement towards global peace, but may not know how they fit in.

Sidney's encouraging, warm nature shines through in this interview with Annie. We hope you enjoy it.

In this episode, Adwait and Ashima discuss the school where Adwait is an educator. Whether you live in India or the West, the schooling style is revolutionary and Gandhian.

This is a stunning interview conducted by Ashima, with her co-marcher Shruti. Their camaraderie, mutual respect and friendship are palpable in their conversation, and it is with great pleasure that we give you a window into that. During the interview, they discuss education in India, and the things that youth have to teach us.

If you'd like to reach out to us, you can e-mail us at [email protected].

Instagram and Twitter: @ourpeacepodcast

www.speakingourpeace.com

Thank you for joining us for this wonderful conversation with educator, scholar and activist Alain Dangoisse.

Aneesh Thillenkery tells us about being one of the organizers of the Jai Jagat 2020 march, but that is only one part of his discussion with Annie this week. They spend some time talking about his other projects, and discussing the relationship between an activist and the community they work in. 

IG & Twitter: @ourpeacepodcast

[email protected]

Thanks for listening to this episode. We have so much to learn from Seonagh - this will not be the last time you hear from her this season. If what she had to say resonates with you and you're looking for a place to start, you can reach out to us. Or feel free to check out the following books she recommends:

My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. By Resmaa Menakem

Peace is Every Breath by Thich Nhat Hanh

Love in Action by Thich Nhat Hanh

Oppression and the Body: Roots, Resistance and Resolutions, edited by Christine Caldwell and Lucia Bennet Leighton.

If you wish to learn more about her nonprofit, visit www.dharmainmotion.org

Keep your eyes peeled for more information about her work on instagram in the coming months. We'll keep you updated.

Thank you for your interest in this inspiring episode. Dr. Sujit Sinha shares stories from his journey as an educator, as well as his thoughts on industrialization, nation-states, and their relationship to violence.