This article was posted on May 22, 2025 on the Business Mirror.
ALL the conflict ongoing both globally and locally has shown the various and negative impact it has done to our society. In our own daily lives, our families face difficult situations whether at home, at school or at work. That is why this recent initiative recently caught my eye: Uniqlo’s Peace for All project.
As a mom, I often wonder: How can I raise kind, mindful, and socially responsible kids in a world that can feel chaotic? How can we as parents nurture effective communication and peace at home in a way that ripples into the communities we’re part of?
On May 2, Uniqlo strengthened its commitment to promote peace by utilizing the universal hobby of art as a language of peace. It recently hosted a special art workshop at Museo Pambata as part of their global Peace for All initiative. They partnered with Project Pearls, a local nonprofit that supports children from underserved communities in Tondo, Cavite and Bulacan. The workshop gathered students from Grades 4 to 12 and gave them a meaningful opportunity to express themselves through art.
Their inspiration? Pablo Picasso’s “Bouquet of Friendship”—a vibrant, iconic image of two hands offering flowers. It’s a piece that communicates unity and hope in a language children instinctively understand: color, imagination and joy. The students were guided by local artists from Artolution, a global nonprofit dedicated to creative empowerment through collaborative art-making. With brushes and crayons in hand, these kids created interpretations of Picasso’s vision of peace—each drawing a visual story of what harmony means to them. “We thought of creating this art workshop so that the children can really relate to the design of the shirt, which is all about peace,” shared Reiny Vergara, head of PR and sustainability for Uniqlo Philippines.
The Peace for All initiative doesn’t stop at the museum. Through this T-shirts to Transformation campaign, Uniqlo invited global figures to design limited-edition T-shirts that reflect their unique visions of peace. This year, they partnered with the estate of Pablo Picasso, marking a historic first between Uniqlo and the iconic artist. The shirt design, “Bouquet of Friendship,” is available for purchase globally, and all proceeds go to organizations that support people affected by conflict, discrimination and poverty. To date, over 6.6 million shirts have been sold worldwide, raising more than $12.8 million in donations. The funds directly benefit UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency), Save the Children, and Plan International—groups working to protect displaced children and communities worldwide. These shirts may seem simple, but they carry a message that goes far beyond fashion. They are symbols of shared responsibility, compassion and connection. As a mother, I couldn’t help but feel moved by the thought that children from our own local communities are contributing to something so global and heartfelt.
The bigger mission is how to raise children who choose peace while upholding principles and values. It is easier said than done but we need to teach our kids to share, to apologize, and to be empathetic to others. These are everyday lessons but they are also the building blocks of peace. Watching the children of Project Pearls use art to talk about kindness reminded me that even the youngest minds can understand what peace feels like.
One child drew a sunflower and said, “It’s for my mommy because she always gives me hugs when I’m scared.” Another drew a group of smiling kids under a rainbow, saying, “This is my dream for the world—no fighting.”
Explore Uniqlo’s Peace for All collection in stores nationwide or online at www.uniqlo.com/ph/en.
Below are some ways with which we can teach our children to foster peace in their daily lives:
- Model it daily. Children learn by example. Speak kindly, listen actively, and resolve conflict with calm—especially when your kids are watching.
- Encourage expression. Art, music and storytelling help children express complex feelings in healthy ways.
- Celebrate diversity. Read books or watch films about different cultures and talk about inclusion and empathy.
- Do good together. Volunteer as a family. Even small acts—like donating toys or writing thank-you notes—teach compassion.
- Talk about global issues in age-appropriate ways. Use simple language to explain concepts like fairness, kindness, and helping those in need.
I remember when my child joined the Children International Summer Village (CISV) when she was 11 years old. She was given the chance to learn about global empathy and peace by meeting children from many continents. You can visit cisv.ph to learn more about this program.
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that great change often begins in small, quiet moments—with a hug, a drawing, a shared story, a shirt worn with purpose. Let’s continue to plant the seeds of peace at home one moment at a time.
This article was posted on May 22, 2025 on the Business Mirror at:
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/05/22/a-parents-reflection-on-art-peace-and-uniqlos-global-movement/
