On 1-7 of March 2016, World Peace Initiative held APU Empowerment camp for the students of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University from Beppu, Japan. There were 17 participants from 10 countries of the region, and all of them have learnt from the experience, enjoyed it in their own way and became a great team of peace builders.
The camp included sightseeing of Ayutthaya and Bangkok and a five-day retreat on Koh Yao Noi island in the south of Thailand. During the retreat, participants had a very tight schedule which included many interesting activities – meditation, yoga, games and discussions.
As a result of the camp, participants have decided to form a PIPO circle in their university and selected Bernadita Erica from Indonesia as president and Dil Anges Haider from Bangladesh as vice president. The circle will gather regularly in Asia Pacific University for online meditation and mindful activities. All the students are welcome to join.
A Thai participant, Petch shared about her experience: “The whole meditation camp has given me strength and understanding of how to do better in life, not just in terms of my personal life but also to shape my mind for a clearer perspective of life.”
A Japanese participant, Ayame shared her feedback: “It was such an inspiring self development camp. Through this program I learnt a lot about myself and what I need to do now, so I’m ready to move on to my goal. I really appreciate this opportunity for having met new friends, peace coaches and the organizers.”
The coordinator of the camp, Benz Likhit gave his comment on this experience: “Participants were amazing. Despite the fact that they are still young, they were interested in learning about deep spiritual knowledge, such as meditation. Not all of them knew each other before, but they formed a group and blended together very well. They really enjoyed the morning yoga, meditation and lectures. They were quite emotional, many people shed tears in the closing ceremony. I am impressed that after the camp a group of participants who stayed longer in Thailand, picked up garbage on the beach in Pattaya.”