Fostering Peace Through Literature and Open Dialogue
An educational online platform bridging cultures and perspectives through meaningful conversation
What is the project's idea?
"SVET Peace Project" is a comprehensive educational online platform designed to serve learners of all ages. Our core methodology centers on seminar-based learning through structured open discourse. This approach facilitates profound comprehension of literary texts and their fundamental philosophical questions through collaborative dialogue and analytical group engagement.
Our seminars operate on principles of intellectual equality, where no single voice holds absolute authority. Experienced instructors serve as facilitators, guiding discussions through thoughtful inquiry and encouraging the exploration of diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach enables participants to synthesize their individual insights, fostering a dynamic environment of collective intellectual discovery.
How it Works
Choose a Text
From ancient philosophy to modern literature. We read everything!
Register for a Seminar
Seminar places are limited. Sign up through our Telegram channel.
Participate in Discussion
Read the text, share your unique opinion, and listen to others.
Discover Yourself
Our seminars provide an opportunity to learn more about yourself, your beliefs, and contradictions.
Recent Courses and Partnerships
"As far as I know, this is the first time that students, in a very formal way — explicitly — want to use the St. John's College seminar mode as the way to solve a very big project, which is the psychology, history and toxicity of history that leads to conflict."
🏆 Projects for Peace 2024
Selected as recipients of the prestigious $10,000 Projects for Peace grant through Middlebury College's Kathryn W. Davis Collaborative. Our "Svet Summer Seminar Program" successfully brought together students from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus for collaborative literary discussion during a time of conflict.
🤝 Current Private Partnerships
We are proud to work with two dedicated private donors associated with St. John's College who believe in our mission. Notably, one patron has generously committed to matching every additional private donation, effectively doubling the impact of new supporters' contributions to our educational initiatives.
Course Offerings
Summer 2024: Eastern European Literature
An intensive exploration of pivotal works that shaped Eastern European consciousness and political thought:
Fall-Winter 2024: Critical Reading of Early Soviet Theory and Evolution of the Soviet Project
A comprehensive analysis of foundational Soviet theoretical texts and their historical development:
Project Founders
Our founding partnership emerged from a shared academic vision during our university studies. We recognized the profound need for accessible alternative educational pathways that leverage literary analysis as a foundation for critical thinking and intellectual development.
Amir Balafendiev
Born and raised in Tolyatti, Russia, Amir demonstrated an early passion for learning and global perspective. His educational journey began at the Orthodox Classical Gymnasium, followed by studies at the international UWC college in Armenia, where he discovered transformative approaches to education that emphasized practical application and intellectual engagement. Currently pursuing his academic studies at St. John's College Santa Fe, Amir has developed a profound understanding that authentic education should cultivate critical thinking abilities rather than focus solely on rote memorization.
Kanstantsin Tsiarokhin
Kanstantsin's formative years in Minsk, Belarus and Kyiv, Ukraine provided deep exposure to post-Soviet cultural dynamics and political discourse. His educational leadership began in Minsk, where he established conversational English courses, demonstrating early commitment to accessible education. Following his relocation to Berlin in 2022, he achieved fluency in German while immersing himself in European intellectual traditions. Currently completing his fourth year at St. John's College, Kanstantsin specializes in academic philosophy and maintains proficiency in classical languages including Latin and Ancient Greek.
Contact
Email: svetseminar.edu@gmail.com
Phone: (505) 310-0190
Instagram: @svetseminar (Russian-speaking Version)
Instagram: @svet.global (English Version)