Jeannie Lum

School develops a culture of peace that permeates through all aspects of the school’s education. Gardens are not just for growing food or medicine. A garden can also be a space for inner peace and interconnection between people and the environment or even community and school. Schools in urban areas can use small spaces or paved areas to create meeting spaces for conflict resolution, peer mediation, or class. From a restorative justice perspective, there is no good/bad dichotomy – all conflict is positive. Students and teachers create circles to build culture, trust, a sense of belonging as a group, and set values. Students who feel marginalized due to their immigration status or for how they live, may share their history and culture without being restrained by social scripts and stigma. Peace gardens embrace diverse cultures. Students, teachers, and community build a sense of belonging, trust, honesty, and a safe space to feel vulnerable.