Active Citizen: Walk in the Shoes of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates

With democracy being challenged worldwide, it’s essential to find new ways to engage and inspire young people to take an active role in society. Educators and families can support students as they learn how to make a positive change in their communities—and this can start with a spark from some of the most inspiring stories in history!

Today, we are thrilled to launch Active Citizen, a new and thought-provoking Minecraft: Education Edition experience created in partnership with the Nobel Peace Center and Games for Change. This first-of-its-kind educational adventure is designed for learners aged 8–18. The experience brings Nobel Peace Prize laureates, past and present, into the world of Minecraft to help students understand that everyday citizens can help achieve peace through actions big and small.

An adventure through active citizenship

The journey starts at the beautiful Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, where players meet Alfred Nobel. He shares his story and what he envisioned for the prize, then explains that peace is achieved using a set of key skills that make up the tools of the active citizen.

From there, players travel to four different locations around the world and learn from inspiring Nobel Peace Prize laureates, who each lead an interactive in-game activity:

• Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, which aids in reforestation efforts and empowers women in Kenya
• Fridtjof Nansen, a humanitarian from Norway who helped thousands of displaced people to safety by implementing refugee passports
• The 14th Dalai Lama, who meets players in Tibet to teach them about his Buddhist philosophy and compassion for nature and animals
• Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, whose courageous quest for girls’ education in Afghanistan has made her a worldwide inspiration

In the very last section of the world, students will make their vision for peace tangible by building something in Minecraft: Education Edition that represents their contribution to a more democratic society. They’ll even have the chance to enter their designs into a build challenge and share their learning with the world!

Support for educators, engagement for students

Each Nobel Peace Prize laureate activity links to free educational web resources hosted by the Nobel Peace Center, including animated videos and classroom discussion guides. There are separate learning resources for middle and high school levels to ensure that all material is age-appropriate.

Teach democracy, inspire peace

Get ready to help your students realize what it means to be engaged, optimistic, passionate, and diligent citizens. Inspired by some of history’s greatest voices for peace, they’ll learn that anyone can be an active citizen and that no action is too small. 🕊

Get started with Active Citizen today!

If you’re new to Minecraft: Education Edition, take your first steps into game-based learning here.