Learning For Lasting Peace
Education is the key, which acts as a powerful tool for preventing and addressing different challenges. Moreover, when effectively shaped and implemented, it becomes a long-term investment with increasing returns. An active commitment to peace is more urgent today, and education plays a central role in this endeavour.
Education transforms and builds the foundations for lasting peace and nurtures the connections between people. In the present context, we see news about conflicts and political uncertainties and also the rise of violent acts which seems to decrease the plea of unity and harmony. The impact of such violence has crossed the boundaries of the world and does not differ in gender, race, religion, and politics as well. The world has been corrupted by all the violence and its influences which have become a threat to the present as well as the upcoming future. Learning for lasting peace is an active commitment to peace. It acts as a component of what we need to maintain a tenable present which is a building block for sustainable development and without peace there can be no sustainable development.
According to some research, it was observed that children have the potential to learn behaviours through observations and imitation of adults; the understanding that humans learn socially and not just intellectually brings home the point that being educated is not just being literate. Learning also stems from our social interactions, surroundings, circumstances, and positive and negative reinforcement, and without doubt, this is how we teach, learn and work must change too. Against the backdrop of present scenarios, education focuses on the holistic development of learners and nurtures their ability to think in broader terms to analyze challenges, think rationally, act purposefully, and deal effectively with the environment. To bring it into action we need to work towards nurturing empathetic and inclusive learners.
Learning for lasting peace focuses on the imperative that inclusive and equitable quality education includes education of human rights. It is impossible to talk about learning for lasting peace without ensuring human rights. Education is a core pillar of both formal and non formal education in our current global landscape. Due to the daily violations of human rights, peace is a distant reality from the everyday lived experience of millions of children, young people, and adults across the world. The purpose of peace in education is to encourage and prepare the students who will be the leaders of the upcoming future to be responsible citizens, who can analyze the roots of violence with absolute peace both inside and beyond borders and social groupings. By default, we are instinctively incapable of peace due to our inherently selfish, egocentric, exploitative nature which keeps pushing us towards ruthless competition, success, and survival at each other’s expense. Wars are an example of exploiting peace. War is avoidable, that is what should be taught. Resorting to violence ends life while negotiating the conflicts lets us live in harmony.
In this context, peace education is crucial because it equips individuals with the skill to resolve conflict non-violently and also promotes dialogue and understanding rather than aggression. It also fosters respect for diverse cultures and perspectives, which is essential in our increasingly globalized world. It also supports sustainable development by fostering where all individuals can thrive without fear of violence or oppression. It also promotes a sense of safety and belonging, reducing stress and anxiety related to conflict. Peace education empowers individuals particularly the youths to become active participants in their communities and advocate for social justice and also addresses the root cause of violence and conflict helping to prevent future violence and promoting a culture of peace By promoting such values as empathy, tolerance, and cooperation peace education helps build stronger, more cohesive communities.
Not only in the academics aspect, but parents also play a vital role in supporting peace education at home by demonstrating conflict resolution skills and respectful communication. Children learn by observing their parents appreciate different perspectives discuss scenarios that require empathy and compassion for others as well, involve children in community service projects that promote social justice and help those in need reinforcing the importance of others, and also talk about local and global issues related peace and conflict which encourages the children to think about solution and the importance of diplomacy. Using everyday conflict as a teaching moment guides children through the process of resolving disagreements peacefully. Teachers and parents can also promote activities that require teamwork and collaboration helping children to learn the importance of working together and thus emphasizing values such as kindness, respect, and cooperation in daily interactions, with such practices in daily life parents can effectively nurture a culture of peace and empathy within their homes laying the groundwork for future generations to contribute to a more peaceful world.
Education also gives us a space and time to learn how to listen to others’ perspectives as well as to formulate and share our thoughts and critically think about the consequences of our actions which leads to our capacity to understand diverse communities and also to tolerate and accept others and strive for conflict resolutions and it is inclusive, accessible and equitable and education provide us with this opportunity.
In conclusion, one must promote peace to control the evil which damages our society. One must also recognize diversity and integration for expressing emotions to enhance our friendship with different people and different cultures across the world. The evil violence might not come to an end but one can manage it with peace as peace is vital for humankind to survive and helps to strive for a better future. As Mahatma Gandhi said,” THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE DO IN THE PRESENT “.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editorial team includes Chubamenla, Asst. Professor, Dept. of English and Rinsit Sareo, Asst. Manager, IT, Media & Communications.
For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org