Hardwired

Hardwired Hardwired defends the legal right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief for every person.

Hardwired is working to overcome intolerance and violence in the world and make it possible for people everywhere to live in freedom according to their conscience. We believe the freedom of conscience is essential for every free society and that everyone should be able to live without fear of retaliation for their beliefs. We do not promote any religious beliefs or political views.

Teachers in Sinjar are discovering new ways to connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. This winter, we had...
05/29/2026

Teachers in Sinjar are discovering new ways to connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. This winter, we had a chance to work with teachers in Sinjar, and before schools closed, these teachers had a chance to share those lessons with their students.

Through Hardwired’s Fruitopia simulation, participants quickly recognized parallels between the exercise and their lived experiences in a region shaped by conflict and division. And as schools re-open, we’re excited about the opportunity to continue working with these teachers and supporting the rebuilding of schools across Sinjar.

At 8 Marsi School teacher Arta Velibegu reflected that the Fruitopia simulation “was an inspiring process that strengthe...
05/27/2026

At 8 Marsi School teacher Arta Velibegu reflected that the Fruitopia simulation “was an inspiring process that strengthened our approach to pluralism, human rights, and respect for diversity within the school.”

Thank you to our amazing teachers for all of your hard work!

We’re grateful for the great work trainers from the Ministry of Education are doing in Halabja, even in the midst of cha...
05/25/2026

We’re grateful for the great work trainers from the Ministry of Education are doing in Halabja, even in the midst of challenges from the regional conflict. Before schools closed, Hardwired staff with Mr. Othman, the Directorate of Training for Halabja, and his assistant, along with ToTs Zerang and Omed. Our team received strong support, with local partners confirming their commitment to relay the program’s goals with schools and maintain communication, which has allowed us to continue supporting trainers and working with teachers even during school closures over the past two months.

We’re grateful for the trust and collaboration at every level to ensure sustainable impact on education.

During our training with teachers in Sinjar, educators reflected on the simulation and how it helped them better underst...
05/22/2026

During our training with teachers in Sinjar, educators reflected on the simulation and how it helped them better understand how isolation often fuels misunderstanding.

One teacher, Hawas, reflected: “If we isolate ourselves, harassment will happen… but when we mix with others, they understand who we are.”

Through the Fruitopia simulation, teachers experienced how to use dialogue to model a powerful tool for reducing conflict over differences of belief.

During a training at Vaso Pasha Shkodrani School, teachers spent time reflecting on the relationship between fear, preju...
05/20/2026

During a training at Vaso Pasha Shkodrani School, teachers spent time reflecting on the relationship between fear, prejudice, and division within their communities. As they reflected on the history of Kosovo and all they had personally experienced during the past conflict, they began to recognize how lack of communication reinforces misunderstanding and prevents cooperation.

During reflection, Dardane highlighted the role of fear in shaping behavior: “Because of fear and prejudice, people often judge themselves and refuse to cooperate. To build strong communities, we must face these fears and speak openly.”

By recognizing fear and its consequences as well as addressing fear through dialogue, participants are demonstrating a major step towards strengthening peace and dignity for everyone in their communities.

For many schools we’re working with in Iraq, the need for human rights education has never been clearer. The principal o...
05/13/2026

For many schools we’re working with in Iraq, the need for human rights education has never been clearer.

The principal of Ur School, Entisar, said: “Before you came to the school to implement the program, we had been thinking of conducting an activity on human rights. You came at the right time. Our students need to learn more about human rights to reinforce harmony among them.”

Hardwired’s training is equipping educators with the tools to meet this need and bring the next generation hope for a better future where everyone has the freedom of religion and belief.

During a training at Xhemail Kada school in Peja, Kosovo, students confronted one of their biggest challenges during the...
05/11/2026

During a training at Xhemail Kada school in Peja, Kosovo, students confronted one of their biggest challenges during the Fruitopia simulation: engaging directly with fruit groups they initially viewed as “enemies.” Rather than avoiding one another, each group sent representatives to ask questions, gather information, and report back.

Through dialogue and collaboration, students began to connect the simulation and analogy to real life and recognize how easily misunderstanding can lead to conflict—and how essential communication is in overcoming division.

By fostering these conversations, teachers are building stronger, more supportive school communities grounded in trust and understanding of people of different beliefs and backgrounds.

We had a great time at the Far West Fest Rotary Convention in Reno!Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, took ...
05/04/2026

We had a great time at the Far West Fest Rotary Convention in Reno!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, took the time to learn more about our work, and engaged in meaningful conversations about advancing human dignity, pluralism, and freedom of belief around the world.

We’re always excited to connect with new communities—if your Rotary club or organization is interested in learning more or partnering with us, we would love to share more about what we do. Feel free to reach out to get connected!

Hardwired president, Tina Ramirez, and her daughter joined leaders from across South Asia at a conference hosted at BYU ...
04/27/2026

Hardwired president, Tina Ramirez, and her daughter joined leaders from across South Asia at a conference hosted at BYU Hawaii in collaboration with the ICLARS. Tina discussed her work with educators and leaders to promote pluralism and religious freedom. And they shared Hardwired's curriculum through a fun hands-on activity that invited other conference guests to make their own fruit person creations and discover how we use fruit as an analogy to teach pluralism around the world. We're grateful for all the new friends we made and the great work they're all doing to support peace, dignity, and freedom for religious communities in South Asia.



At Xhemail Kada School, Gjejlane Begolli reflected on how Fruitopia helped both students and educators grow in their abi...
04/24/2026

At Xhemail Kada School, Gjejlane Begolli reflected on how Fruitopia helped both students and educators grow in their ability to recognize the factors that contribute to real-life conflict, practice problem-solving to mitigate and prevent conflict, and discover new strengths within themselves to prevent and respond to conflict in their community.

“We hope to have more innovative workshops and activities like this in the future, and that your cooperation and support will continue to be present for us. We can’t wait for the second phase and to see the impact will have in our school community.”

At 7 Shtatori School, teacher Fitnete Mujaj shared how the Fruitopia simulation transformed her classroom and helped stu...
04/23/2026

At 7 Shtatori School, teacher Fitnete Mujaj shared how the Fruitopia simulation transformed her classroom and helped students explore pluralism and human rights in a unique and practical way so they can apply these lessons in their daily lives.

“It planted in the students’ minds a lesson that will influence each of their lives.”

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