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.

During a training at Asdreni School, discussions around bullying revealed how harmful behaviors are often normalized or ...
06/17/2026

During a training at Asdreni School, discussions around bullying revealed how harmful behaviors are often normalized or minimized within communities.

One teacher named Melisa explained: “Bullying starts with small teasing, which seems harmless but has a big impact.” Another teacher named Elmaze added: “In Kosovo, these are often treated as jokes or social teasing without thinking about the harm to others.”

Through the training, teachers discussed how they can become more aware of the impact of these behaviors and the importance of addressing them early by teaching students to respect the dignity and rights of others.

Thank you to our trainers Agime Lajqi and Qendresa Krasniqi for conducting this training!

06/15/2026

This March, as schools closed across Iraq, Hardwired trainers shared an interactive lesson exploring pluralism, dignity, and coexistence with 128 students from five primary schools in Qaraqosh. Through the story of a “peaceful garden,” students discovered the importance of freedom of religion or belief for diverse communities and how it can strengthen their communities—not weaken them.

One student, Noor, reflected: “God created these colors, and they are beautiful, just as He created people. Each of us has a unique shape and color, and we must respect one another even if we are different from each other.”

In February, 16 students at Xhemajl Kada school in Peja participated in Hardwired’s Fruitopia simulation. At the beginni...
06/01/2026

In February, 16 students at Xhemajl Kada school in Peja participated in Hardwired’s Fruitopia simulation. At the beginning, many students viewed diversity as something to tolerate rather than fully understand. As the simulation progressed, however, students experienced fictitious situations that required their fruit groups to navigate conflict, negotiate with others, and create shared rules for living together.

Through these experiences, students began to recognize that peaceful coexistence depends not just on acceptance, but on actively respecting and protecting the rights of others. By the end of the simulation, they began to think more deeply about how to treat one another with equality and shared human dignity.

One student, Enisi, reflected: “Now I understand where we want to get. So, regardless of language, religion, color, or ethnicity, we all have equal rights.”

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.

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