Play4Peace: Reclaiming Childhood through Community-Led STEM Play in Conflict Zones

In regions where violence defines identity, childhood is often the first casualty. Play4Peace is a compelling case study from India that demonstrates how a simple, zero-cost STEM intervention—inviting children to build balloon-powered cars using natural, locally available materials—ignited joy, reduced stress, and restored a sense of normalcy in conflict-affected communities.

Across 1.5 million children and 32,000 government schools, this initiative demonstrated a powerful shift: from trauma to trust, from survival to curiosity. In Chhattisgarh, one of India’s most severely Naxal-affected states, the program is transforming schools into safe spaces, leading to increased attendance, emotional well-being, and stronger community-school bonds.

This session invites global change-makers to explore how play-based STEM learning can become a scalable, community-led peace building strategy in post-conflict zones, refugee settlements, and underserved geographies worldwide.