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Mahia te Aroha was born out of the extraordinary local, national and global response that followed the devastating events of the 15th of March, 2019. Developed by members of the Christchurch Muslim community, the invitation to promote peace through compassionate actions is extended to all those seeking to celebrate the rich diversity of our shared humanity, while confronting the causes of prejudice and hate.
In November 2023, Alice Andersen joined Mahia te Aroha as Peace Educator. In this newly established position, Alice is collaborating with communities to cultivate an enduring culture of care. “I believe that peace is possible and I’m here to help however I can,” Alice says. “In this role, I’ll lead the development and delivery of an education programme that prepares rangatahi and their communities to be champions of peace, developing compassion within ourselves and between us.”
Since the Christchurch Earthquakes, Ōtautahi native Alice has been working tirelessly on the social rebuild of the city. “I specialise in strategy and development, community activation, and educational design and delivery. I’ve led workshops and lectured on identity and inclusivity in Aotearoa and Australia and, for the last six years, I’ve been the Executive Director of Qtopia, a social support service that creates positive social change through education, advocacy, support and celebration. Before that, and during, I have worked in service to rangatahi, caregivers, creatives and social entrepreneurs.”
The work that Mahia te Aroha is doing is vital, Alice says, because it addresses the roots of societal challenges, deepening empathy and building skills to create a harmonious community. “Through investment in peace education, we empower individuals to contribute positively to the collective well-being of our society. As we nurture peace at our core, we pave the way for enduring compassion and unity. Mahia te Aroha is in service to all those that share our kaupapa and we see understanding and collaboration as our path forward. Compassionate structures, organisations and communities are essential to support resilience as we navigate our changing and challenging world. This is the key to addressing many of the critical problems of our time.
“We know that receiving and giving compassion are both core ingredients for emotional well-being among children and adolescents, and they appear to lay the foundation for health and psychological well-being as we age. To support this, we are connecting people with tools that can improve their lives and the lives of those around them. We are sowing seeds of peace through community care, kōrero, engaging education and compassionate action.”
In her capacity as Peace Educator, Alice is guided by the four commitments of Mahia te Aroha: Spread Peace, Share Kai, Reconnect and Reflect. “These are the practical ways that we action compassion. Spread peace by offering your full attention to those around you, and bridging divides with those you’ve disagreed with. Share Kai and meaningful kōrero with loved ones and your community. Reconnect with whānau, offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement, or simply let them know that you’re thinking of them. Reflect on the people in your life; if they all look and sound like you, it’s time to broaden your circle.”
As Alice looks ahead to 2024, she is excited to see Mahia te Aroha achieve even greater impact for Ōtautahi and beyond. “It’s an honour to work hard with good people to create positive change. Over the year ahead, we aim to engage more schools, community groups and individuals in the pursuit of peace. We’ll continue creating pathways, platforms, projects and programmes that counter prejudice and hate, and encourage community and care. We aspire to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, shaping a better future for generations to come, and we warmly welcome you to join us.”
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