Alicia, 17, Mexico

Basic need(s):

Education

Project:

"Peace Through Art" and "Good News"

Alicia helps others reflect on issues of peace, tolerance and nonviolence through her project "Peace Through Art," a series of free painting workshops focusing on the message of peace, as well as her newspaper project, "Good News," which focuses on describing positive experiences and role models. She travels to poor towns in Mexico, teaching them how to express their feelings and beliefs through the universal language of art. She then shares her experiences in "Good News," which is distributed in schools. Alicia has interviewed Nobel Peace Prize winners, peacemakers and influential leaders— including the Dalai Lama—and encourages others to write about their own positive experiences. She has participated in the International Child Art Festival in Washington, D.C. and the International Day of Peace at the United Nations. Alicia is currently planning a summit that will bring together influential leaders and community members to discuss peace.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto