Peace and Planet Schools emerged to address the urgent need for education systems that reflect the realities and strengths of children in the Global South, particularly those facing challenges like climate change, conflict, and systemic exclusion. In regions such as Cameroon, impacted by the Anglophone , Boko Haram conflicts and the Lake Chad Basin climate crisis, struggling with the climate crisis and an influx of refugees, traditional education systems often neglect the voices of marginalized children and fail to provide the skills needed to navigate these crises.
Through our work with Community Green Engagement Cameroon, we witnessed how children, when empowered, can lead transformative change from reversing global warming to peacebuilding. However, rigid, test-driven systems often leave too many behind, ignoring trauma, cultural identity, and environmental connections
Peace and Planet Schools respond to this gap. Our model integrates trauma-informed learning, regenerative environmental and digital education, peacebuilding, and youth leadership, all grounded in community. The approach is designed with children at its core, believing education should be healing, liberating, and action-oriented. It’s not just an alternative to mainstream education; it’s a movement toward justice, healing, and planetary regeneration, empowering every child to lead and create meaningful change in their communities.
This transformative, child-led education model emphasizes healing, empowerment, and environmental regeneration. Students engage in inquiry-based learning, tackling local challenges like deforestation, water access, digital literacy, and conflict resolution. Daily peace circles foster emotional resilience, while hands-on projects such as tree planting, gardening, and upcycling allow students to apply their learning to real-world issues. Designed for children affected by poverty, conflict, and climate stress, the model encourages ownership of both education and community well-being.Inclusive education is supported through adaptive teaching, arts integration, and trauma-informed approaches, ensuring all learners are nurtured. Youth-led eco-clubs, peacebuilding workshops, and after-school programs promote civic engagement . Collaborations with organizations like Mark Inclusive Education Cameroon, SAWA World Uganda, and certifications from Kids For Peace/Arigatou International enhance the program’s global reach.
With guidance from Regeneration International and Planet Bee Foundation, educators integrate regenerative practices, empowering students to become responsible leaders and environmental stewards. By combining local action with global collaboration, this model creates sustainable, impactful learning experiences that equip students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the planet
Peace and Planet Schools has been spreading through a combination of community-driven expansion, strategic partnerships, and demand from educators and grassroots leaders who see the urgent need for inclusive, healing, and regenerative education. What began as localized interventions in the North West Region of Cameroon through Community Green Engagement Cameroon has grown into a broader movement with a growing network of partners including Mark Inclusive Education Cameroon, Arigatou International, Peace Catalyst International, Kids for Peace International and Goldin Institute Chicago
Our model spreads organically through pilot programs, educator training, community engagement, and storytelling. As youth-led projects gain visibility in eco-school activities
using Drawdown .org solutions to reverse global warming as a guide,neighboring communities and local authorities express interest in replicating the model. We also engage in knowledge sharing platforms, webinars, and global networks.
With certifications and guided by principles from Regeneration International, Thrive Institute, and Planet Bee Foundation, the model is being adapted and scaled responsibly to reflect diverse cultural and ecological contexts
We’ve continuously refined our approach based on direct feedback from children, educators, and communities. Initially focused on integrating trauma-informed and ecological education, we’ve expanded our curriculum to include:
• Stronger community partnerships that ensure learning is deeply rooted in local culture and responsive to evolving needs.
• Youth-led initiatives that empower children not only as learners but as active decision-makers in environmental restoration and peacebuilding projects.
• Holistic well-being programs addressing mental health, inclusive education conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning to better support children facing trauma and systemic exclusion.
• Flexible learning pathways that adapt to different contexts, including remote or conflict-affected areas, to ensure accessibility and continuity of education.
• Technology integration where appropriate, to connect learners across regions and amplify their voices on global platforms.
These modifications keep our innovation dynamic and responsive, ensuring it remains a living, community-driven movement that evolves with the challenges and aspirations of the children it serves
To try Peace and Planet Schools, begin by learning about our approach and connecting with our team or our partners already mentioned above. Understanding the core values trauma-informed learning, environmental regeneration, peacebuilding, and youth leadership is essential to adapting the model to your community.
Next, engage local educators, parents, and especially children. Listen to their needs and co-create a vision that reflects your community’s unique realities. Start small by piloting key elements such as trauma-sensitive teaching, environmental projects like tree planting, or youth-led peace initiatives. These focused efforts can build momentum and show early impact.
Form partnerships with local organizations working in education, mental health, and environmental conservation to provide comprehensive support. Train teachers and facilitators in inclusive and regenerative education methods to ensure they are equipped to implement the model effectively.
Continuously collect feedback from students, families, and educators to refine your approach and keep it responsive. As your pilot grows, expand to more schools or communities, sharing your successes and challenges to inspire wider change. This flexible, community-driven model invites you to create a healing, empowering, and action-oriented education for children.
