The 2012 Common Ground Awards Recipients

PEACE CHILD INTERNATIONAL

A Papua New Guinea tradition in which warring tribes would exchange a child in a symbolic gesture to make peace was the inspiration for the founding of Peace Child International. The children would grow up as members of the others' tribe and, when conflict threatened again in the future, the 'Peace Child' from each tribe was sent to negotiate a sustained peace. This legend spotlights the important role young people can play in changing the world.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Peace Child International began its journey during the Cold War era, working with young people to produce a musical performance that expressed their wish to end the nuclear stand-off between the USA and the USSR. Each original production of the musical “Peace Child” was written by its cast and performed to sell-out crowds across the USA. The performances resulted in the first ever US-Soviet youth exchange in 1986, and its success allowed PCI to expand into a global network encompassing 1000 youth groups, schools and teachers in over 150 countries.

Peace Child premiered in the U.S. at the Kennedy Center in December 1982, co-produced by Search for Common Ground, with a chorus of children, local theatre and gospel stars, and spectacular choreography created by Washington’s School of Performing Arts.  Actress Susannah York was the Story Teller.

Operating from its international headquarters in Great Britain, Peace Child International. Is focused on empowering young people all over the world. The organization is run by a small team and supported by volunteer interns from across the globe.   In addition to staging original musicals, PCI produces publications and educational materials for young people, and offers training programs and workshops on global issues.

Since 2000, Peace Child International has supported and awarded small grants for over 300 youth-implemented projects around the world aimed at community improvement. Their slogan, “First Inform Yourself – then Take Action” is based on self-development and education. Accordingly, their “Be the Change” program established a peer-to-peer teaching dynamic allowing young people to help themselves become true agents of change. In addition, their International Youth Congresses and Eco-Business Challenges have inspired young people to rise up and meet our common problems and develop a new kind of entrepreneurship.