Education a catalyst for peace, perspectives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- 250900690
- Jun 30, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 5, 2022
In a study of the role of education in post-conflict peacebuilding perspectives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are noted, that it has recently given renewed attention to its education sector, premised on the realization that accessible, quality and inclusive education is crucial to bringing peace and future development (Fazalehaq & Aleem, 2017).
Learning in conflict areas has often been overlooked, mainly the role played by education in post-conflict peacebuilding. Methods such as ceasefire agreements, military interventions, and the establishment of peace zones are often seen. However, these are short-term remedies relaying from the fact that they don’t achieve long-term stability and peace. Reforms for peace building are meant to be transformative hence the connection with the education given its nature of character formation and socialization that are crucial to peace building. In a region such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, education is an excellent methodology to achieve inclusion, equality, reconciliation, social capital formation, and lasting peace.
The idea of education as a peacebuilding mechanism introduces peace education programs that include conflict resolution and dispute settlement procedures, enriching the growth of positivity and control of emotional management. Peacebuilding, such as nationalism, reconciliation, and understanding of the historical context, can be effectively taught to young people through formal learning (OECD, 2012). In the last decade, the regional administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has worked with non-governmental organizations to introduce peace education programs in schools across the province.
It is essential to see that reforms like these embed and instill peacebuilding as character development in students. These programs, if made mandatory, can severely mitigate conflicts, enhancing peacebuilding through education.
Sources;
Akhter, Nasreen & lah, samee & sahab, shabnum. (2022). The Role Of Education In Post-Conflict Peace Building: Learner Perspectives From. Webology. 19. 542.
This is a wonderful take on a sensitive topic. The solutions that you mentioned are ones that have rarely been utilized outside of theory. You have rightly pointed out that measures such as safe zones are only going to act as a band aid and cannot be considered as long term solutions.
My question is how this peacebuilding education will be implemented in societies which thrive off of hate-mongering?
You have made some excellent points. Peace-building through education can really go a long way and be of great benefit in helping to reduce conflict. If children, especially boys, are not gaining education in conflict-affected areas, there is a higher chance for them to be recruited by militant groups as they can then be easier to manipulate. Educating students through means of building peace in conflict-affected zones can make sure that these children are aware of the atrocities that are being committed by the militant groups and are not easily brainwashed by them.
A great outlook on the realities of post-conflict zones. I think it rightly outlines the difference in needs of individuals living in post-conflict zones and the importance of addressing them. What else in your opinion can be done in terms of practical reforms in schools for communities who have seen years of conflict?
Quite an interesting take on the topic! One of the major solutions of tackling conflicts, wars, hatred etc. in the future is to teach the young and upcoming generation about Peace Education.
No matter what resources one have, unless the people themselevs doesnt want to change, nothing will change. Peace education is the process of acquiring values, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors to live in harmony with oneself, others, and the natural environment.
There may be instances of conflict but to deal with it non-violently is what Peace Education teaches us. It tells us to acknowledge facts and then promotes non-violent ways to find a mutual solution.