
Participants in the forum “Renewal and Purpose – The Journey of Those Who Educate
Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Brazil closed 2024 on a high note with impactful initiatives that highlighted its commitment to fostering peace, empowering communities, and addressing pressing global challenges. True to the GPF mission of building “One Family under God,” GPF Brazil brought people together across cultures, religions, and sectors to inspire transformative change.
Bridging Brazil and Africa
Expanding its reach beyond Brazil, GPF collaborates closely with partners in Africa to develop transformative youth entrepreneurship programs across continents. Starting in 2025, these initiatives will be implemented in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where over 60,000 refugees—representing 16 African nationalities—have sought sanctuary, with many residing there for over 20 years. The program will focus on empowering 250 women of Christian and Muslim faiths by providing business training aimed at fostering self-reliance and sustainable income for their families. With the success of a similar initiative in Liberia, which emphasized participant mentoring, the program will also extend to Ethiopia in 2025, further exemplifying GPF’s commitment to global peace and economic empowerment.
Cultural Exchange
In November and December 2024, GPF Brazil laid the groundwork for a cultural and peacebuilding exchange program between Brazil and Kenya. This initiative, set to launch in February 2025, will connect students through online modules focusing on culture, history, leadership, and peacebuilding. With plans for a field trip to Kenya after two years, this program highlights GPF Brazil’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across continents.
Empowering Youth and Strengthening Communities
Preparations are underway for the Global Exchange-Community Project, slated for July 2025 in São Paulo. This program will bring together 45 youth volunteers from Brazil and abroad to engage in community service, cultural events, and leadership seminars. Following their work in São Paulo, the team will extend their efforts to Paraguay, further amplifying the program’s impact.
Environmental Stewardship: Collaboration and Education
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, GPF Brazil actively participated in the Chaco Vivo Project in collaboration with Paraguay’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The project aims to promote public-private partnerships in addressing climate change challenges.
GPF Brazil also concluded a two-year environmental initiative in partnership with the Federal University of Goiás (UFG/IESA), culminating in the publication of a comprehensive resource book. This 90-page manual, designed for classroom use and community assessments, is a valuable tool for advancing environmental education and action in Brazil.
Family Values and Purpose-Driven Education
Recognizing the foundational role of the family in building a peaceful society, GPF Brazil participated in a seminar in São Paulo to promote family values. The event brought together pastors and community leaders to draft a coalition declaration advocating for the strengthening of families in Brazil.
In Guapó, GPF Brazil inspired educators with a lecture titled “Renewal and Purpose—The Journey of Those Who Educate.” The session emphasized the importance of purpose in teaching and encouraged educators to inspire students beyond the confines of academic content.
Peacebuilding in Action
From cultural exchange programs to community service and environmental advocacy, GPF Brazil’s initiatives reflect the broader mission of the Global Peace Foundation. By addressing local challenges with global solutions, GPF Brazil exemplifies the power of collaboration and shared purpose in building a more peaceful and equitable world. As we look ahead to 2025, there are many opportunities to support their mission—whether through volunteering, participating in projects, or making a donation. Together, we can continue building bridges of understanding and fostering a world where every individual is valued.
To learn more about GPF Brazil’s work or get involved, visit their website at www.gpfbrasil.org