At the Africa Peacebuilding Institute (API) our vision is, “an alliance of people equipped to build peace throughout the African continent.” We believe the world needs more peace builders. Therefore, the more peace education we can provide you, the more likely we are to achieve this vision.
A farmer attacks the neighboring farm after some of his cattle go missing. A church splits after discovering their pastor repeatedly stole money from them. A family disowns their girl child after learning she is pregnant. A community flees its ancestral home after a rival group burned the village.
What do these stories have in common? They are all examples of conflict. While conflicts occur every day, these turned into harm, violence and broken down relationships. To restore peace, the people need to learn understanding, nonviolence and tolerance. In other words, they need peace education!
Here are 6 reasons you should consider peace education and become a peace builder.
1. Learn at any age.
API’s course Peace Clubs – Theory and Practice uses content from Peace Clubs International. As a result of peace clubs, peace is taught in primary schools, churches and even refugee camps. Certainly, you are never too young or too old for peace education.
It has been proven that peace education interventions in schools result in improved attitudes and cooperation among pupils, and decreased violence and dropout rates.”
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2. It is culturally relevant.
Peace Education is culturally relevant because conflict is present in all cultures. No group of people wants to live in conflict. By studying the African context in Introduction to Conflict Transformation, however, participants learn that culture can be a source of conflict or a resource for peace.
…peace education is dealing with key elements of individual and group identity formed by historical and cultural heritage, balancing the values of both of these, and trying to teach people how to enjoy their own rights without endangering the rights of others, and especially how to advocate for the rights of others when such rights are threatened.”
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3. Encourages creative problem solving.
A course which brings out one’s creativity and problem-solving skills is Art Approaches for Peacebuilding. The style of delivery for this course is unique and caters for the more advanced peacebuilder. For instance, participants explore and engage in Storytelling, Image Theater, Visual Arts and Forum Theater as tools for conflict resolution.
4. Diversity of themes.
Peace education is a diverse field and includes topics from inner peace to societal peace. When studying the Trauma Awareness and Reconciliation course, Participants can explore the physiological and psychological effects of trauma for both individuals and communities.
[Themes] include nonviolence, conflict resolution techniques, democracy, disarmament, gender equality… and international understanding and tolerance of diversity.”
PeaceInsight.org
5. Has practical applications.
Man-made or natural disasters occur throughout the world which, as a result, can lead to violent conflict. However, what can we do about it? The Emergency Preparedness and Response Teams course equips participants with practical tools to address such humanitarian crises.
6. Central to all religions.
The course Foundations for Christian Peacebuilding teaches the Biblical background for peace. As a result, participants develop a personal conviction and a theological basis for conflict transformation.
…one realizes that all religions preach peace… all preach respect and tolerance towards other’s faiths. In short, peace is the central theme of all religions.”
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In conclusion, the world needs you to be a peace builder! Consider peace education and contact us today. Together, we can make the world a more peaceful place.