In this episode, Maria Lucia Uribe, Executive Director of Arigatou International, talks about the power of bringing children, youth, and communities together to foster peace, dignity, and justice. She reflects on how interfaith collaboration and dialogue help create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive and be agents of positive change. Maurice and Maria Lucia explore her work leading Arigatou International’s Ethics Education for Children Initiative, now active in more than 30 countries. They discuss the importance of values-based education, preventing violence, nurturing compassion, and mobilizing faith communities to stand with children in shaping a more peaceful future. Maria Lucia has been Executive Director of Arigatou International since 2013. She leads the strategic expansion of ethics education, convenes the International Consortium on Nurturing Values in Early Childhood, and co-leads global initiatives on children’s rights and the prevention of violence. She holds a Master in Peace and Conflict Transformation and has served in leadership roles with Child Rights Connect, INEE, and PaRD. Listener Engagement:

• Discover more about Arigatou International and its initiatives through website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram @ethicseducationforchildren. Maria Lucia is also on Instagram and Facebook.
• Connect with Maria Lucia on LinkedIn.
• Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter!

Follow Us:

• Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
• Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work.
• Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).