Welcoming Peace for All Canada to the Centre for Peace Advancement

Based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Peace for All Canada is an initiative dedicated to addressing socioeconomic, political, racial, religious, and cultural conflicts and intolerance. Peace for All Canada engages in meaningful dialogue to educate and confront issues of inequity. This month they joined the Grebel Peace Incubator to develop and grow their grassroots organization. Their commitment to creating peaceful communities aligns perfectly with the mission of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement. 

In 2005, Ayiko Solomon, the founder of Peace for All Canada, embarked on a journey of self-healing and trauma recovery after experiencing the horrors of war and displacement as a refugee. Separated from his family for 19 years and subjected to dehumanization, Ayiko realized the necessity of transforming his healing into a creative space for others. He began sharing his stories with children back in Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to heal the hearts of mothers and children through support groups. This initiative was very successful, leading Ayiko to establish Peace for All Canada to continue this important work in Kitchener-Waterloo. 

Peace for All Canada is built on the priorities of community healing and providing resources to those inneed. It fosters healthy environments that nurture holistic wellbeing, especially for vulnerable groups facing barriers. Their mission is to inspire individuals, families, and communities to confront all forms of violent extremism and discrimination, promote socioeconomic empowerment, and foster peaceful coexistence. While focusing on immigrant and racialized communities, Peace for All Canada strives to unite all populations. 

Peace for All Canada’s work rests on three pillars: Community Education, Community Building and Conflict Transformation, and Social Entrepreneurship. Among their impactful programs is the Homework Support Program for vulnerable and marginalized K-12 students, fostering academic achievement, resilience and leadership. The Circle Dialogue Training and Circle Community of Practice programs equip community members and leaders with peacebuilding skills. PAC’s Peace Brothers' Active Residents Trialogue is a weekly radio program promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. Finally, their Anti-hate and Insecurity Prevention Youth and Elder Circle Dialogues offer safe spaces for storytelling and collective healing. 

Peace for All Canada’s inclusion in the Grebel Peace Incubator program and broader Centre for Peace Advancement community marks a significant step in their journey. We can all look forward to the wisdom and connections that will emerge from this community partnership. Peace for All Canada’s goal for their time in the incubator is to improve their internal structure and capacity, enhancing their ability to support upcoming ventures and expand their impact. 

We encourage anyone interested in Peace for All Canada’s initiatives to reach out via email at ayiko@peaceforallcanada.org or connect through their Instagram @peaceforallcanada. 

Additional contact information and details about their programs are available on their website, www.peaceforallcanada.org.  

By Pinar Gurgen