Thanks to Jessica Moe, recent graduate of the University for Peace Master's program in International Law, for submitting the following entry. Click here to read the book, produced in partnership with Earth Charter International and the University for Peace, and funded by Plan Netherlands on the theme of "Community of Life."

The book Interwoven Stories: The Fabric of Community was launched amid a clamour of excitement at the University for Peace in Costa Rica (UPEACE). On 30 April, the outdoor cafeteria became alive with music and bodies as students, staff and faculty members of the UPEACE community piled in. A neat pyramid of shiny books adorned the scene – when the cover was pulled back, a beautiful creation that had been months in the making was unveiled.

A buzz was truly in the air as I stood nervously at the microphone. On several occasions the energy welled up and erupted into an enthusiastic outburst of cheering and clapping. Everyone wanted to celebrate our friends and colleagues who had ventured to contribute their stories and ideas. We invited a few authors to read their pieces. The readings were powerful. These were the brave voices of people with whom I interacted every day; to hear their voices strong with conviction and wavering with emotion made the depth of our relations so much more apparent. Whether from Kenya, Costa Rica or the United States, we have stories to share. What a beautiful celebration of our community.

And celebrate we did! After the presentation and readings wound up, we distributed the books to eager hands, and unveiled another surprise – a spherical Earth cake deliciously flavored in lime and vanilla. In all, the book launch was absolutely memorable; a great afternoon powered by the incredible energy of our caring and creative community.

Click below to view PDFs of each section of the book. Make sure to leave a comment for the authors and editors, Lisa Jokivirta and Jessica Moe, at right.