February 9, 2023 – Targeting learners from a young age in order to foster a behavioral and cultural transformation is an important part of WPDI’s global efforts to cultivate lasting peace around the world. In this vein, WPDI organizes throughout the year extensive Peace Education programs in schools in the countries where we operate. The aim of these programs is to equip learners with the information and tools needed to resolve conflict in a nonviolent way that promotes peace and tolerance amongst learners. In this light, teaching such values at both primary and secondary school levels has, in turn, taught an important lesson, namely that providing children and adolescents with skills for peace is not just preparation for the future, it is a vector for transformation today. As they use conflict resolution methods and techniques among their peers, our trainees contribute to transforming their schools into more peaceful spaces that are conducive for their learning. The training empowers and enables them to become changemakers not just within their schools but also in their communities.
As part of this ongoing process, WPDI ran a comprehensive Peace Education program in South Africa throughout 2022. The program reached 4,100 pupils in 20 primary and 4,100 students in 20 secondary schools across the Cape Flats area. The program was run by WPDI Youth Peacemakers, teams of activists trained, mentored and supported by us to become coalitions of peacebuilders and entrepreneurs who can work together to plant and nurture the seeds of peace and development in their communities and their countries.
For many students, the program was an eye-opening experience, helping them to understand the fundamentals of creating a stable, peaceful community through individual action. ”I want to take this opportunity to thank WPDI for choosing our school to be part of this great program. We had a fruitful year with our trainer. She is compassionate, innovative, brilliant and FUN! Nomaphelo has not only been a trainer but has become a trusted friend to us. She provides a comfortable, safe and inspiring environment for us. She motivates us, keeps us on track and celebrates our successes,” said one student, Elihle Baba from Mseki primary in Gugulethu.
For teachers as well, the program has proved to be transformative, starting with the 200 of them who participated in our training sessions. Overall, though, they could not help noticing that the program had a tremendous effect on their students, notably those from economically deprived backgrounds. Mrs Pam, a Grade 5 teacher at Levana Primary School in Lavender Hill said: “I just want to thank the organization for bringing the Peace Building program. Our learners are economically and socially challenged. So, we thank you for coming to our school and teaching our learners these important tools. Thank you for being a different voice for them. The learners are always excited for the sessions and as teachers we have seen the results of your work. We would notice when learners become rowdy, one or two learners would do the peace sign and the class settles. Your work at our school is much appreciated.”
These testimonials, and so many we do not have room to publish, are highly uplifting in their demonstration that, somehow, by empowering so many children and youths, we got more than we had bargained for. Building on our success of 2022, WPDI is aiming to reach 6,200 pupils and students in South Africa in 2023, building on our global peacebuilding targets in Africa, Europe and the Americas.
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