A unique and ambitious project is taking shape in Verona: the School of Peace and Nonviolence. This initiative, promoted by the Diocese of Verona, the Toniolo Foundation, and the Nonviolent Movement, draws inspiration from the “Arena of Peace 2024” event and aims to train a new generation of peace operators. The project aspires to become a reference point for those seeking practical skills in conflict management, mediation, and nonviolent methods.
The school will launch on February 7, 2025, with an inaugural lecture by Professor Giuliano Pontara, one of the most prominent international voices in the field of nonviolence. Classes will run through May and offer a comprehensive 50-hour training program. The course structure includes both residential sessions, spread over three weekends, and non-residential sessions featuring lectures, webinars, online forums, and the design of practical interventions. To provide a hands-on experience, the summer of 2025 will include a summer school in conflict zones, allowing participants to engage directly with the challenges of peacebuilding.
The project targets a diverse audience: young volunteers in Civil Service, trainers, teachers involved in civic education, local administrators with peace-related responsibilities, as well as NGO operators and volunteers. The objective is to provide both practical and theoretical tools to drive meaningful societal change.
Applications are open until the end of February 2025, and the participation fee is €150. Students and young people engaged in Civil Service are eligible for a 50% discount. Interested candidates can apply online through the official website arenadipace.it
This initiative marks an important step for Verona, reaffirming its role as a crossroads of culture and social commitment. The School of Peace and Nonviolence is not just an educational project but an invitation to build a future where conflict resolution is rooted in dialogue and mutual understanding.
