The Peace Initiatives Institute (Pii) is a US-based nonprofit organization providing a grassroots, collaborative approach to building peace through children in conflicted countries worldwide.

Through our innovative use of mass media - Media Initiatives For Children (MIFC) - we reach young children with messages designed to increase dialogue by teaching respect for differences, which shapes children's future attitudes and behavior toward others. The program focus to date has been on teaching respect for physical, racial/ethnic, and religious/cultural differences as well as opposing bullying.

Our initial MIFC pilot was launched in Northern Ireland in 2004. It included short animated cartoons for use on TV combined with preschool curricula reinforcing the cartoon characters and themes. Results show significant increases in children's awareness and behavior.

With our partner in Northern Ireland, NIPPA, the program has been extended to the Republic of Ireland, and Pii is currently exploring programs in other countries including Scotland, Kosovo, and Rwanda.