Dialogue for Peace

The English programs at Ecole de langues welcome students of multiple origins. Among them are students from Ukraine, Russia, Belorussia, and other European countries.
The war that is going on in Europe right now does not stop there. Numerous countries, including Canada, are deploying efforts to bring back peace. We are all deeply touched and disturbed by the images and news we see and read every day.

The CLIC Project was created at Ecole de langues to bring students and teachers together and provide a safe space for dialogue and the discovery of each other’s identities and stories. Many among us have lived through a time of war, some have families that are still bearing wounds of past conflicts or invasions. Let’s take the time to get together to learn of our perspectives, share our fears or hopes and help each other through a conversation.

The CLIC Project invites all the students and teachers to Dialogue for Peace, Thursday, March 10th at 12.45

Dialogue for Peace: Reflections

To call the meeting ‘Dialogue for Peace’ felt somewhat grandiose. Yet, the title stuck – it captured the purpose unequivocally. In the time of war, peace is the only alternative. The participants of the ‘Dialogue’ were from many backgrounds, France, Canada, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, China, USA and Poland. We listened to words of bewilderment over what is happening in Europe and of painful disconnect from families; we heard accounts of struggle with how the gaze of others casts a judgment or even a blame for events beyond our control. Nonetheless, the resounding voice of this Dialogue was that of solidarity and love, vulnerability and courage, belief in a collective responsibility to care and to stand up for one another. The trauma we carry within us is that of our ancestors and will be that of those who come after us. Yet, we are who we are and not where we come from. Of this we must be able to talk, we must be heard, and we must listen. Our voices help us stay strong and guide us on a common path to understanding and peace. 

Martyna Kozlowska, member of the CLIC Research Group, UQAM