# Practicing nonviolence and nurturing self esteem
House of Hope students learn Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a healing approach to conflict resolution that gives them the skills to understand what triggers them, deepening their connection with themselves and others, and transform their habitual or emerging responses to the injustices they experience.
Every student participates in House of Hope’s “Beloved Community” curriculum, which examines seven universal spiritual themes that are found in the three Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Students also learn about Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of reconciliation through forgiveness.
Creative expression is threaded through all of our lessons as a way to actively engage students in mind, body, and spirit. Giraffe and jackal puppets are used to introduce the students to NVC. The giraffe represents communication with compassion and empathy, while the jackal represents when fear and judgement block compassion.
As our students find unique ways to explore and engage their emotions, they are equipped to integrate these lessons as a path toward internal healing of trauma that in turn leads to an ability to engage with their peers and communities with confident compassion.
Recited by House of Hope students at the start of every school day