Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Peaceabilities - Teaching Peace

One of the most critical needs for the 21st century is teaching children at a young age how to get along with each other, so that they will be peaceful adults.

This workshop, given by Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill, from Bringhan Young University was very well done - she spoke about how the total number of conflicts may be down, but there are now many more within states. There is a pandemic of violence - depleting social capital. More women have died than from the major wars.

She spoke about the many ways that females are dying - honour killing, trafficking. There is gender violence throughout a woman's life.

After setting the context for the need for an intervention, she went on to talk about what approaches work effectively. She has actually studied many of the peace education programs in the world, and this one - peaceability - is the best. You have to be taught to be peaceful - try to create a positive attitude - teach specific skills - like forgiveness, to be kind. Done thru a collection of stories - to care for each other. Developed through stories and music - a combination of activities. Develops internal strengths rather than relying on external controls. Teaches children to appreciate the difference between fact and assumption.

To find out more, click here.

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