Peace Center in Sievershausen

CODE: ICJA2508

Work:

The Peace Studies Center is located on the edge of a former battlefield. An exceptionally bloody battle took place here on a Sunday afternoon in July 472 years ago. Analogous to the well-known motto "swords to ploughshares" we redesign this to "battlefields to playing fields". The participants of the work camp will continue last years’ work and design different elements of this playing field. This means manual work with wood, metal, earth and colour and some gardening. Anyone who appreciates creative work can work on a video project under expert guidance, which is to be developed on the topic of tracing peace work in Sievershausen and send messages of current peace work.
You will learn some essentials of peace work and receive basic training in non-violent conflict management by professional trainers. Moreover, the respect for Human Rights und circumstances of war and climate change is being discussed. We will visit the memorial in the former Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There will also be a chance to learn about working with young people in a nearby youth center. Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet young people and families in the region, the group will also invite people of the village and region to an “Evening of encounter” (Abend der Begegnung) at the Peace Center.

Accomodation and food

The accommodation for the participants is offered in rooms with four beds each. There are bed sheets available. Food is prepared together in the kitchen of the seminar house.

Location and leisure

For the leisure time, the group can use facilities of the seminar house, the little parc around and take part in excursions to Hannover and Braunschweig.

Project hosted by

The Peace Studies Center in Sievershausen (Antikriegswerkstatt Sievershausen) was established in the premises of the Sievershausen Lutheran Church community more than 50 years ago. During that time, the Vietnam War escalated and the Antikriegswerkstatt was part of a global movement against the war. Nowadays there are several buildings, including a guesthouse and the well-known "Anti-War House" with an assembly hall for our events, located in a park-like area along with a church older than 1000 years on the edge of the village. The peace center shows through its diverse program, that peace work has political, historical, educational and cultural aspects. Throughout the year one can visit exhibitions, readings, lectures and many cultural events. The peace education offers of the seminar area include teaching units, trainings for school classes and church groups on current and historical topics.

Directions to meeting point

Additional comments

You have the chance to get to know many aspects of peace: an interest in the topic and active participation are desired.