What
is Peace Education?
I
view Peace Education from a practical, classroom perspective – having explored
a number of values approaches both in
Living
Values was created as part of an international project to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the UN in 1995. The
original document identified 12 universal values, offered an individual
perspective for creating and sustaining positive change and included values
activities for use in the classroom.
This
document was very carefully scrutinized by the UN and deemed to be politically
and culturally acceptable to all member nations, receiving the UN seal of
approval.
Since
then, this initiative has grown to include a series of user-friendly teacher
guidebooks for use with children ages 3-young adulthood.
The Living Values program is supported by UNESCO, UNICEF and several
NGO’s. It is currently in use in
over 70 countries and is being translated into 30 languages.
One
of the wonderful aspects of the Living Values program is that it can be readily
implemented into any culture. It is
non-denominational and encourages teachers to add culturally relevant material
to enhance learning.
Another
factor that attracted me to the program is that it is so heart-driven.
Trainings are given for free, donations are accepted to cover costs, but
the main objective is to raise awareness and to make this program accessible to
all who express interest.
The
first universal value in the program is the value of PEACE and at each age
level, there are 22 lessons focusing on this value.
Lessons are child-centred and experiential in nature.
While the 12 values are pre-selected, students are intricately involved
in defining each value and in creating their own picture of what each value
looks like. After they’ve
developed their personal visions, students are taught strategies to help create
their visions of, for example, a peaceful world.
We all know that every accomplishment originates as an idea or vision in
someone’s mind and this program empowers students as they become familiar with
this process.
A
very important aspect of this or any similar program is the role or example of
the teacher. We have to be
constantly aware of our own personal values and how we are demonstrating them.
Teachers must be sincere, genuine as well as striving to be peaceful,
individuals. Living Values Education
Program takes all participants on a journey of personal growth and
enlightenment.
Although
Living Values has only been in existence for 4 years, some exciting results are
being reported around the world. The
most frequents ones being the positive teacher – student relationships and
improved student – student relationships in and out of class.
Aggressive behaviours drop as positive social skills and respect
increase.
Support
for some type of values program is mounting – Canadian Mental Health is
interested in LVEP.
BC
Ministry of Education has requested that UBC’s Faculty of Education develop a
values program for use province-wide and school districts are looking to
implement values programs which further the teaching of Social Responsibility in
our schools.
For
more information on Living Values Education Program: www.livingvalues.net
The
entire PEACE unit for each age group is available online for those who wish to
try it out.
Gudrun
Howard