Reports from Europe and the Middle East – 06 May 2026
Romania – Peace maker program in public school
Beginning of May, the Romanian branch of the International Relief Friendship Foundation continues to organize the Peace Maker Education Program in public schools across villages in Romania. The program is offered once each semester in different schools, with the purpose of promoting peace, character education, and values-centered learning among students and teachers.
This semester, the program was conducted at our partner school in Negrilești. We were grateful to organize this educational activity together with the Heavenly Tribal Messiah Missionary Team, whose members supported the program and shared valuable experiences with the participants.
The school director warmly welcomed our team and additionally invited teachers and students from a neighboring school to join the event. Through this cooperation, the program reached a wider audience and created a meaningful atmosphere of unity and friendship among the participating schools.
During the program, we had the opportunity to introduce part of the teachings of True Parents, focusing on values such as living for the sake of others, mutual respect, harmony, and building peaceful relationships. The students actively participated in the sessions, and the teachers also expressed appreciation for the educational and moral content shared during the event.
In total, more than 40 children and teachers attended the Peace Maker Education Program. We were happy to see their sincere interest and positive response throughout the activities. The event strengthened our partnership with the local schools and encouraged us to continue offering value-based education programs in rural communities throughout Romania.
We sincerely thank the school administration, teachers, HTG missionary team members, and all participants for their cooperation and warm support in making this program successful.
Albania – Youth leadership training program
April 29, the Korça Community in Albania successfully launched a special training program titled “Developing Leadership Skills” for high school and university students. The program gathered 35 young participants who attended the first session with great enthusiasm and interest.
The main purpose of this initiative is to prepare young people to become future leaders in their communities and society. In addition to leadership development, the program also aims to create an environment where participants can gradually become acquainted with the Divine Principle and its values.
The training content is carefully designed to be interconnected with the vision of the True Parents for youth, emphasizing character building, responsibility, service, and the importance of living for the sake of others. Through interactive lectures, discussions, and team activities, participants were encouraged to reflect on the qualities of a good leader and how they can positively influence the people around them.
This gathering marked the first session out of a planned series of eight sessions. The opening session focused on introducing the goals of the program, building unity among participants, and inspiring them to develop confidence and leadership potential.
The atmosphere throughout the program was energetic and hopeful, as students actively participated and expressed their desire to continue learning and growing through the upcoming sessions. Organizers expect that this training will contribute significantly to raising a new generation of young leaders guided by strong moral values and a clear vision for the future.
The Korça Community looks forward to continuing the remaining sessions and supporting participants on their journey of personal growth, leadership development, and deeper understanding of the Divine Principle.
Russia – Teacher Seminar
From April 25–27, a seminar for 2nd Generation Department leaders and Sunday school teachers was held in Russia. Twenty-five teachers from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Ulyanovsk, Ufa, Novosibirsk, and Petrozavodsk participated in the event.
The seminar provided an opportunity for teachers and leaders to learn, exchange experiences, and strengthen their educational mission. Heidi Meyer gave inspiring lectures on building relationships with teenagers and helping young people discover faith. The national leader also addressed the participants, encouraging them in their work and ministry.
Special guests from India, recipients of the National Teacher Award presented by the President of India, shared their professional experience with the participants. Their presentations focused on the topic, “New Trends in Education and Interactive Methods in Pedagogy.” The teachers introduced innovative educational approaches and practical interactive teaching methods that can be applied in Sunday school and youth ministry.
Inspired by the new knowledge and ideas, participants worked together to develop new lessons and educational activities. In addition to the training sessions, the seminar included games, songs, and cultural activities. Participants enjoyed singing together and learning both Russian and Indian dances, creating a warm atmosphere of friendship and unity.
The seminar became a source of inspiration, encouragement, and renewed energy for all participants. Everyone returned home motivated to continue fulfilling their mission of educating and supporting the younger generation.