From October 28 to 30, students from Professor Taro Komatsu’s Seminar on International Educational Development (Department of Education, Faculty of Human Sciences) participated in a series of workshops on peace together with guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina — artist Mr. Muhamed Kafedžić (Muha) and Associate Professor Larisa Kasumagić-Kafedžić, an expert in intercultural education from the University of Sarajevo.

Both guests visited Sophia University to take part in the symposium “Psychosocial Care for Children and Youth after Conflicts and Disasters: Peacebuilding Efforts through Creative Activities and International Exchange,” organized as part of Sophia University United Nations Weeks 2025.

Exploring Global Issues through Collaborative Art

On October 28, students joined a workshop titled “Exploring Global Issues in Local Communities Through Peace Pedagogy and Collaborative Art: From Problems to Dialogue, from Canvas to Solutions.” Under the guidance of Associate Professor Larisa Kasumagić-Kafedžić, they began by introducing themselves, recognizing the diversity within the group, and sharing rules for open and respectful dialogue. They then engaged in cross-grade discussions on challenges and possible solutions for creating a more inclusive society.

“Shaping Our Hopes” through Art

In the second session, artist Mr. Kafedžić (known as “Muha” for his Paintings of the Floating World) guided students to express their thoughts on social issues, ideas for change, and hopes for the future through colors, shapes, and symbols. Together, they visualized messages that are often difficult to convey through words alone.

Research has shown that creative activities help children affected by conflict or disaster express emotions that cannot easily be verbalized, providing healing and enhancing their sense of self-efficacy. Dialogue and collaboration not only help rebuild social ties that are often lost during conflicts but also foster a sense of connection and creative engagement with the wider world. Through this workshop, students were able to experience such a process of creative and collaborative peacebuilding firsthand.

Creating a Diptych “Dreams and Goals for Change”

On the following day, Mr. Kafedžić created a large diptych titled “Dreams and Goals for Change” in the open area on campus, using the paintings produced by students as the foundation. As the work was carried out along the main street of the Yotsuya Campus, many students stopped by to observe and engage in conversation with the artist from Southeast Europe.

The completed diptych was displayed outside the symposium venue on October 30. The artwork description reads:

“This diptych embodies aspirations for fairness and social change. It supports the empowerment of women and seeks to expand empathy and dialogue among people. The panels can be arranged in two ways, symbolizing multiple paths leading to the same goal and representing diverse possibilities for transformation.”

The artwork is now on display on the first floor of Building No. 2, Yotsuya Campus, until Thursday, November 20. Visitors are warmly invited to stop by and reflect on the students’ hopes and ideas for building a more inclusive and peaceful society.