Can we teach peace? reflection, strategies, and practices

"Peace begins with a smile." - (Mother Teresa)

As educators, we have the power to educate people about peace and make it a part of our school communities. To achieve this, we must commit to it in every action, behavior, and interaction. However, we must be clear about the type of peace we discuss. 

Today, there are more conflicts worldwide than ever after the Second World War, making it imperative to consider teaching peace in schools.

The question is how to properly incorporate peace education into the global curriculum and apply social-emotional learning. These questions will guide our reflection and exploration. Are you with me? Isn't it time to start?

What does peace mean to you?

Peace, as envisioned by great minds throughout history, transcends the mere absence of conflict; it embodies a profound state of harmony, empathy, and justice. It is not merely a distant ideal but a tangible reality that can be nurtured and cultivated through deliberate actions and genuine commitment.

Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently captured the essence of peace by stating, "Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." Indeed, peace is not an abstract destination but rather a journey that requires active participation and engagement from individuals and communities alike.

Albert Einstein's wisdom further emphasizes, "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." True peace emerges from a deep understanding and respect for others, transcending differences, and fostering mutual empathy and cooperation.

John F. Kennedy envisioned a peace that goes beyond borders and encompasses the hopes and aspirations of all humanity. He spoke of "genuine peace, the kind that makes life on earth worth living," emphasizing the universal desire for peace and prosperity for all.

In essence, peace is not something passive or static; it is dynamic and transformative. As John Lennon aptly put it, "Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away." Peace is an active choice, a way of life that permeates our thoughts, actions, and interactions.

As educators, it is essential that we reflect on what peace truly means and how we can embody it in our daily lives. We must challenge ourselves and our students to question, explore, and commit to peace in all its dimensions. Do our thoughts, actions, and interactions reflect a genuine commitment to peace? Furthermore, educators should create a space where the meaning of peace is allowed to evolve and grow. By encouraging open dialogue and embracing diverse perspectives, we foster a culture of peace that is inclusive, dynamic, and ever-expanding. 

So, what does Peace mean to you? Will you share your meaning with your students? Will you include their meaning in yours? 

Peace and Education

John F. Kennedy, in his famous speech, often referred to as the "Strategy of Peace", delivered on June 10, 1963, at American University, spoke of the perilous belief that peace is unattainable, labeling it as a "dangerous, defeatist belief." Instead, he advocated for a vision where humanity, armed with knowledge and understanding, could overcome the barriers to peace. Indeed, education stands as a formidable ally in this noble quest.

In 2022, the United Nations, in collaboration with the Women’s Research and Training Center at Aden University, launched a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering peacebuilding skills within communities. Dr. Huda Ali Alawi, Director of the Women's Research and Training Center, underscores the indispensable role of education in peacebuilding. She emphasizes that education is not merely a means to impart knowledge but a catalyst for psychosocial and cognitive development.  “We cannot achieve lasting peace without education. Education contributes to the psychosocial and cognitive development of communities. It allows communities to learn skills such as mediation and changes peoples’ behaviors for the better.” …“Raising awareness on the importance of conflict prevention and the links between the achievement of durable peace and sustainable development, climate action and food security, especially among children and youth, is important because peace is more than just the absence of violence.” 

Indeed, education offers more than just academic enrichment; it serves as a lifeline for marginalized communities, offering a route out of poverty and a shield against the ravages of conflict. The World Economic Forum echoes this sentiment, stressing the urgent need for education tailored to promote peace, especially in times of war. Education empowers individuals to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond by nurturing values, attitudes, and skills conducive to peace.

The first step towards building a culture of peace begins with educating ourselves on peace. Education can be the conduit for peace, whether through dedicated peace education programs or the integration of social-emotional learning into the curriculum. As educators, we are responsible for imbuing our students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to champion peace in all its forms. We must show what peace is and what it means for children to commit to it intentionally. 

Throughout history, the role of education in building lasting peace has been undervalued. Today, as wars rage from Ukraine to Gaza and beyond, we must double down on ensuring all children have access to quality education. Ignorance has long been recognized as the enemy of peace, and education is the antidote. By providing individuals with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a broader understanding of the world, education empowers them to challenge stereotypes, question assumptions, and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. 

Integrating Peace Education: Strategies for Curriculum Development

In the quest to cultivate a culture of peace, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the curriculum itself. By infusing educational materials with the principles of peace, we can shape what students learn and how they engage with the world around them. Here are some strategies for integrating peace teaching into the curriculum:

1. Expanding Perspectives through Diverse Sources:
   
   One of the most transformative aspects of integrating peace teaching into the curriculum is the opportunity to broaden students' knowledge and experiences. By embracing diverse sources and perspectives, we facilitate a more comprehensive and inclusive learning environment, transcending the narrow, state-centered narratives and encouraging students to engage with various realities. 
   
   For instance, when teaching mathematics, educators can adopt an approach considering mathematicians from various countries and cultures. By exploring mathematical concepts through the lens of different cultural contexts, students gain a deeper understanding of mathematics's universality while also appreciating its cultural nuances. They learn that mathematical principles are not confined to a single perspective but are shaped by diverse cultural influences, from ancient civilizations to contemporary societies.
   
   Similarly, in literature classes, educators can highlight underrepresented minorities and marginalized voices whose stories have often been overlooked or silenced. Students are exposed to various human experiences and perspectives by incorporating literature written by authors from diverse backgrounds. They learn that literature is not solely the domain of the dominant culture but encompasses a multitude of voices and narratives that contribute to the richness of human expression. If educators fail to provide these diverse perspectives, essential knowledge about these cultures and communities may remain inaccessible to students, perpetuating ignorance and perpetuating stereotypes.
2. Fostering Critical Thinking for Peace Education:
   
   Teaching critical thinking skills is key in supporting the integration of peace education into the curriculum. Leading students to approach information with a critical eye, educators lay the groundwork for fostering a culture of peace based on understanding, empathy, and conflict resolution.
   In the context of peace education, critical thinking plays a crucial role in challenging the assumptions and biases inherent in sources of information. Students learn to question the narratives presented, recognizing that every perspective has biases and agendas. By encouraging students to analyze multiple viewpoints and consider the broader context, educators empower them to discern truth from misinformation and to navigate complex issues with clarity and insight.
   Furthermore, critical thinking skills enable students to challenge stereotypes perpetuating conflict and division. They learn to recognize the humanity in others, regardless of cultural, religious, or ideological differences, laying the foundation for constructive dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Practical examples of fostering critical thinking for peace education include:

• Analyzing Media Portrayals: Encourage students to critically evaluate media representations of conflict and violence. By deconstructing news articles, images, and videos, students can identify biases, sensationalism, and propaganda, fostering a more nuanced understanding of complex geopolitical issues.
• Exploring Historical Narratives: Students examine historical events from multiple perspectives, challenging dominant narratives and uncovering marginalized voices. By critically analyzing primary sources and historical accounts, they gain insight into the root causes of conflict and the role of power dynamics in shaping historical memory.
• Engaging in Dialogue: Facilitate open and respectful dialogue on controversial topics, encouraging students to listen actively and consider alternative viewpoints. By creating a safe space for constructive debate, educators empower students to challenge their own assumptions and expand their understanding of complex issues.
• Fostering Curiosity: Encourage students to explore complex issues from multiple angles and cultivate a sense of curiosity and inquiry. Provide opportunities for open-ended discussions and inquiry-based projects that allow students to delve deeply into peace, justice, and human rights topics.
• Firsthand Experiences: Incorporate firsthand experiences, such as guest speakers, field trips, or service-learning projects, to give students real-world perspectives on peacebuilding efforts. 

Suggestions for Global Education Resources

When considering strategies for integrating peace teaching into the curriculum, looking at examples and best practices from global education initiatives is essential. Here are some suggestions for resources to explore to gain valuable insights and inspiration for incorporating peace teaching into the curriculum. 

• UNESCO Global Citizenship Education (GCED): promotes the development of knowledge, skills, and values needed for active participation in a diverse and interconnected world. Their website offers many resources, including policy guidelines, case studies, and curriculum frameworks for integrating peace education into schools.
• TeachUNICEF: provides educators with resources and lesson plans focused on global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Their materials promote critical thinking, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding among students.
• Global Peace Education: Organizations like the Global Partnership for Peace Education (GPPAC) and the International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) offer training programs, publications, and networking opportunities for educators interested in peace education. These resources provide insights into effective pedagogical approaches and curriculum development strategies.
• Peace Education Network is a global network of educators and organizations dedicated to promoting peace education at all levels of education. Their website offers resources, case studies, and networking opportunities for educators interested in integrating peace education into their curriculum.

Shaping Peace: Harnessing Our Superpower

As educators, we hold the key to unlocking the potential for peace within ourselves and our students. We use Emotional intelligence and SEL to cultivate practical skills that enable us to embody peace daily.

Starting from Within

The journey to peace begins with introspection, with questioning our own attitudes towards peace. Do we truly believe in its possibility? Can we envision a world where peace reigns supreme? It is not enough to merely pay lip service to the idea of peace; we must actively practice, embody and model it in our thoughts, words, and actions. 

As President John F. Kennedy stated, "First, examine our attitude toward peace itself." Peace is not a static state but a dynamic process, a way of approaching and solving problems. It is a strategy that requires mindfulness, empathy, and a commitment to understanding and resolving conflicts. Through SEL, we equip ourselves and our students with the  to navigate the complexities of human interaction with grace and compassion.

SEL empowers us to recognise our emotions, biases, and blind spots. It prompts us to question what we ignore and confront the uncomfortable truths beneath the surface. By shining a light on our inner landscape, we gain insight into the root causes of conflict and the barriers to peace within ourselves and the world around us.

Ultimately, peace begins with taking responsibility for our own thoughts and actions. As the saying goes, "If you don't change your thoughts, you can't change your actions." SEL encourages us to cultivate a growth mindset to recognize that change starts from within. 

I once came across a profound insight that resonated deeply: When we focus solely on our happiness, our brains shrink. But when we envision happiness for all, our brains expand. This is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our well-being with that of others. Through SEL, we cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness that expands our capacity for peace within ourselves and the world at large.

Start with yourself. Enhancing your peace skills.

As we recognize that peace is not merely a destination but a journey, a practice that begins from within and requires daily commitment, we turn to invaluable exercises to nurture this essential quality in our lives. One such exercise, drawn from the wisdom of Headspace, is the loving-kindness meditation.

Loving-Kindness Meditation Exercise for Conflict Resolution

In moments of conflict or tension, this meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating compassion, understanding, and connection, both with ourselves and others. Here's how you can practice it:

1. Begin with Breath: Take a moment to center yourself by taking a long, deep breath in through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Allow yourself to settle into a state of calm and presence.
2. Words of Affirmation: Repeat the following affirmations silently or aloud: "May I be safe. May I be peaceful. May I be at ease." Let these words envelop you in a sense of warmth and tenderness, fostering self-compassion and inner peace.
3. Extend Compassion: Think of someone with whom you're experiencing conflict or tension. Notice any emotions or physical sensations that arise as you think of them. Then, offer the same affirmations to them: "May you be safe. May you be peaceful. May you be at ease." Visualize sending them feelings of warmth, kindness, and understanding.
4. Sit with Your Feelings: After extending compassion to yourself and others, take a moment to sit with any feelings of resistance or discomfort that may arise. Allow these feelings to be present without judgment, recognizing them as part of the human experience.
5. Let Go: Finally, release any lingering tension or negativity by letting go of resistance. Embrace the shared humanity that connects us all, fostering a sense of connection and reconciliation.

To know more, please visit Headspace.com- Meditation for anger

Nurturing Peace through Social-Emotional Learning

As educators, we guide our students toward academic excellence and embody peace in their thoughts, actions, and interactions. Integrating SEL into our curriculum and educational practices creates fertile ground for nurturing a generation of peacemakers and changemakers.

We will follow the guide of five macro skills highlighted by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), delving into how each subskill within these domains can serve as a catalyst for peace education. While our exploration may not be exhaustive, we aim to provide practical strategies and tips on integrating SEL into our teaching practices to cultivate peace.

Self-Awareness for Peace:

1. Identifying Emotions: Teach emotional regulation to manage strong emotions constructively and identify what peace means for each student.
2. Accurate Self-Perception: Encourage reflection on how actions affect others to foster empathy and tolerance in relationships.
3. Recognizing Strengths: Promote a positive identity by helping students recognize their unique strengths and talents.
4. Self-Confidence: Teach assertive expression of thoughts and needs while respecting others' rights and boundaries.
5. Self-Efficacy: Empower students to make a positive difference in their community by addressing bullying, discrimination, and conflict resolution.

Self-Management for Peace:

1. Impulse Control: Promote emotional regulation techniques to manage impulsive reactions and prevent conflicts.
2. Stress Management: Teach relaxation strategies to approach conflicts with a calmer mindset and foster peaceful resolutions.
3. Goal Setting: Guide students in setting conflict resolution goals to promote understanding and reconciliation.
4. Organizational Skills: Facilitate collaboration by teaching time management and effective communication.
5. Self-Motivation: Nurture intrinsic motivation to promote positive contributions to the community and celebrate meaningful actions.
6. Self-Discipline: Empower students with conflict resolution strategies to address conflicts calmly and assertively.

Social Awareness for Peace:

1. Perspective-Taking: Encourage considering situations from different viewpoints to promote empathy and understanding.

1. Empathy: Foster compassionate understanding by validating the emotions and experiences of others.
2. Appreciating Diversity: Celebrate and learn about diverse backgrounds and cultures to foster respect and unity.
3. Respect for Others: Model and reinforce respectful behavior to create a positive and supportive school climate.

Relationship Skills for Peace:

1. Communication: Teach effective communication skills to resolve conflicts and build positive relationships.
2. Social Engagement: Encourage participation in collaborative activities to develop empathy and mutual support.
3. Relationship Building: Foster positive connections through empathy, kindness, and respect.
4. Teamwork: Promote cooperation and shared decision-making to achieve common goals and build solidarity.

Responsible Decision-Making for Peace:

1. Identifying Problems: Teach proactive problem recognition to address conflicts before they escalate.
2. Analyzing Situations: Foster critical thinking to evaluate different perspectives and potential outcomes.
3. Solving Problems: Provide strategies for creative and nonviolent conflict resolution.
4. Evaluating: Encourage reflection on the effectiveness of decisions in promoting peace and well-being. 
5. Reflecting: Promote self-awareness and introspection to align actions with principles of peace.
6. Ethical Responsibility: Teach ethical decision-making based on fairness, integrity, and respect for human dignity.

Conclusion

Educating for peace is not merely a goal but a steadfast commitment; it requires unwavering faith and belief in the possibility of peace, knowing that if we can envision it, we can create it. As educators, our responsibility extends beyond the confines of traditional teaching methods. It necessitates a comprehensive approach that permeates every aspect of our curriculum and extracurricular activities, incorporating diverse skills, subskills, and perspectives.

We must recognize the crucial role of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in this endeavor. SEL equips students with the tools to navigate complex emotions, build positive relationships, and resolve conflicts peacefully. 

As Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman once said, “Peace does not just mean the end of war; it is also the end of oppression and injustice.” This quote poignantly reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of equity, fairness, and respect for all individuals.

As we reflect on our role in promoting peace, let us consider: What will our today's brick for peace look like? Our actions contribute to the collective effort to build a more peaceful and just world, reminding us that the seeds of peace in our classrooms, our communities, and beyond will shape the future we envision.

References

1. Kennedy, John F. "President Kennedy’s Peace Speech at American University." Delivered on June 10, 1963.
2. "  With Highest Number of Violent Conflicts Since Second World War, United Nations Must Rethink Efforts to Achieve, Sustain Peace, Speakers Tell Security Council." 26 Jan 2023. United Nations.
3. "UN, Education as the Path to Peace." United Nations.
4. UNESCO Global Citizenship Education (GCED).
5. TeachUNICEF.
6. Global Partnership for Peace Education (GPPAC).
7. International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE).
8. Peace Education Network.
9. Headspace.com - "Meditation for Anger."

Suggested Viewing:

1. Subscribe to the UNESCO Courier. It is a free source for global education based on peace and cooperation.
2. Ebrahim, Zak. "I am the Son of a Terrorist. Here's How I Chose Peace." TED, 2013.

 

Author: Paola Mileo

Posted: 22 Apr 2024

Estimated time to read: 22 mins