Education for Peace

Minister for Higher & Technical Education, Dr. Shurhozelie during his address at the first convocation programme of Patkai Christian College, on Tuesday implied that peace and development was intractably linked to education. He is equally right when he says that education still remains the greatest force that can influence the human mind especially when it comes to achieving the goals of peace and harmonious living. To take forth this argument of the Minister, the ideals of peace and dialogue coming out of our education system can indeed alter the thinking of people and demolish old prejudiced beliefs. Education therefore is in a position to play a more positive role in a society marred by deep seeded conflict such as ours. But the point of doubt is whether our education system is geared up to take up this challenge. It is further a point of contention on whether our school system can help in the process of building a peaceful, just and sustainable world for our children. A serious introspection is therefore required at the top policy making level on how we can make room within our present system for peace education, which will help students to learn about conflict resolutions and nurturing a progressive mindset of mutual understanding. We also need teachers—to teach their students the values of respect and cooperation, to think critically, solve problems constructively, take part in responsible decision-making, communicate clearly to avoid any misunderstanding etc. These skills and values are essential to confront the culture of violence that we find ourselves in. As much as the honorable Minister has understood the virtue of education, it will also be required on his part to take the initiative for inculcating peace and value education in the school and college system.

It may be mentioned here that the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the years 2001-2010 as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World. It defines a culture of peace as “all the values, attitudes and forms of behaviour that reflect respect for life, for human dignity and for all human rights, the rejection of violence in all its forms and commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, solidarity, tolerance and understanding between people”. And essential for building a culture of peace is education that is oriented towards peace building. As a reminder to those in authorities, the United Nations has called on every country to “ensure that children, from an early age, benefit from education to enable them to resolve any dispute peacefully and in a spirit of respect for human dignity and of tolerance”. Indeed it is heartening to learn that a senior Minister (Dr Shurhozelie) understands this aspect of having an education system which will “produce people who can understand the art of forgiveness, people who can always remain honorable in their dealings with other people”. This is the need of the hour and more so for the Naga people because we have lived through continued cycles of violence. What we now require is a culture where peace and tolerance becomes the order of the day and not hatred and suspicion. And here education can play a transformative role in overcoming the power of violence. Establishing lasting peace is indeed the work of education—a very relevant agenda to pursue for the Nagas.
 



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