Journey of Growth at SIPS: Advancing Peace and SDGs Through Education

Alesse Nunes, from Brazil, is an alumni of the SIPS who graduated in 2020. Inspired by a summer course in Japan in 2017 and the influential philosophy of Soka University's founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, Alesse was determined to enroll in SIPS. The program's curriculum aligned with his passion for education and peacebuilding, and he embraced this opportunity to deepen his understanding.

While not without challenges, Alesse describes his time in SIPS as the happiest period of his life. The greatest achievement for him here was establishing strong relationships with his cohort, professors, and individuals from around the world. Alesse's engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) even led to his becoming an SDG Content Creator at prominent UN events, including the UN General Assembly in 2019. The academic and personal growth he experienced during his time in SIPS was truly transformative.

SIPS played a vital role in preparing Alesse for his current PhD studies. The program provided him with a profound understanding of peace and happiness in education, which aligns perfectly with his research focus. Equipped with rigorous academic training and a global perspective, Alesse is now able to pursue his research at the doctoral level at Soka University.

Alesse's message to current and prospective SIPS students is to savor each moment of their SIPS journey, embracing challenges as stepping stones for personal growth. By building lasting friendships and expanding their horizons through diverse experiences and interactions in SIPS, students can develop a truly global perspective. Keeping their minds and hearts open to the world will provide a unique chance to become global citizens and make a positive impact.