Learning Circle as a Space for Growth and Healing Together

The Learning Circle session served as the finale of Bandung Peace Week (BPW) 2025, becoming a profoundly meaningful moment. It was a time where everyone was given a space for collective reflection to look back on the journey, feel a warm sense of togetherness, and learn from every available experience. Despite passing through a dense series of activities, the atmosphere here is full of gratitude, calm, and mutual respect. As if becoming a final breath that affirmed and strengthened the idea that peace is not just an end goal, but a long process that must continue to be kept alive.

In an atmosphere full of gratitude, Anisa Eka (or Ninis) presented the results of the activities: from involvement of many new parties to the increase in participation across cities and countries. These data and facts were not merely numbers, but real proof that the spirit of Initiatives of Change (IofC) is becoming more widespread. They also serve as a reflection of the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration that grows because of one shared value: being a peacemaker in one's respective environment.

However, the most touching part of this final session was not the data, but the personal stories. From Ninis, who learned to manage a project while getting to know herself more deeply. Nenden, who found beauty in imperfection. Through the BPW 2025 activities, many felt that this event became a safe space to hear and strengthen one another. For all participants and the committee, many felt a sense of being accepted, celebrated, and undestood.

Every story shared in all the sessions of the Bandung Peace Week 2025 activities described the same common thread: that true change begins from a heart willing to learn. It all starts from within: realizing, appreciating, and making peace with oneself. Through simple conversations at every opportunity, everyone discovered something about themselves, others, and about the meaning of togetherness. From there, a new energy was born to continue igniting the spirit of peace in their respective environments.

For me, this session serves as a collective reminder that appreciating and being faithful to the process is the most valuable part of the journey. Furthermore, it is realizing that every small step, every sincere effort is part of the learning that shapes one into a more sensitive and compassionate individual.

Bandung Peace Week 2025 was not just an event, but a spiritual journey that brought many hearts together. From every meeting that occured, there were many lessons; in every difference, there was beauty; and in every circle, there was space to return home to oneself, the community, and true peace.

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Author      : Albert Giovanni Siswanto (Volunteer BPW 2025 & Member of Young Interfaith Peacemaker Community West Java)
Editor        : Anisa Eka Putri Kusmayani
Translator  : Ari Budi Santosa