Peace Education
1. Content. The resource is a program called PEACE. It is based out of communties in Mexico. I found out about the PEACE program through a friend in Ithaca, NY, whos friend worked on the program her self in Mexico.
2. Context. I believe this would be best implemented in a troubled area, perhaps at a youth center that kids attended. The age level would be between 5-10 years old, the younger we can teach these kids, the better off they will be. I will say for example in downtown Ithaca, this would be a great program, there are some under privvlaged kids and ones who get started on the wrong track, where this could make a big difference. When I was in high school I use to volunteer down at one of the youth centers and it was interesting to see the kids who came through those doors. A program like this would do wonders.
3. Implementation: As far as implementing this program, they should look at the website and see the programs on there. Something they emphasize is the community and being aware of their surroundings. If they were able to get local organizations involved that would be very helpful. Team building activties and real life scenarios would also be great to use in this instance, there is no better way to learn then hands on.
I wouldn’t put a timetable on it. I think it would be best to try out and see where it goes from there. Obviously lesson planning would be helpful so it can be structured and organized.
4. Goal- I think that one on one peace education is vital here, as well as peace towards the community. They do specify on individuals, but also to respect the community and your surroundings.
The young kids would be able to obtain numerous skills from this program. They would learn how to have a better outlook on life and problems that come towards them every day. I feel they would have a better understanding of them selves as well as others. I think they would be able to look at conflicts from a different angle then before and make a solid solution to the problem at hand.
Audience. I have shared this post with one of the leaders at the community center I volunteered at. I also shared it with one of the peer mediatiors at my middle school that I attended.
Its great that you shared this program with two very different groups of people and will be interested to hear if you get any feedback from them. What would you say is at the heart of this program? What is their unique contribution?