Our Story: A Personal Journey Toward Peace

Peaceful Schools International was founded in 2001 by lifelong educator and activist Hetty van Gurp, following her work with teachers in post-conflict regions such as Cambodia, Serbia, and Macedonia. But the true beginnings of the organization are rooted in a deeply personal tragedy.

Ten years earlier, Hetty’s 14-year-old son, Ben, died after being violently injured by a student who had bullied him. In the midst of unimaginable grief, Hetty stood at the base of an empty flagpole outside her school and said to a colleague, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one day schools could earn the right to fly a flag declaring they are places of peace?”

That vision became the spark for what would grow into a global movement. Hetty first launched the League of Peaceful Schools in Nova Scotia, recognizing schools that were actively nurturing peaceful, respectful learning environments. This early work laid the foundation for Peaceful Schools International (PSI), which has since supported over 300 member schools in more than 20 countries.

Today, PSI continues to promote peaceful, caring, and inclusive school communities by sharing resources and inspiration online with educators around the world.

You can read a full history here:  Peaceful-Schools-International-History