PEACE EDUCATION Meaning and
Definition
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Peace education is a pedagogical approach that aims to foster a culture of peace by promoting the values, attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution. It is a comprehensive and inclusive form of education that emphasizes the importance of understanding and resolving conflicts nonviolently, respecting diversity, promoting social justice, and working towards sustainable development.
Peace education seeks to address the root causes of violence and build a foundation for peace by empowering individuals, communities, and societies to actively participate in creating a more peaceful and just world. It encompasses a range of subjects and disciplines, including peace studies, human rights education, conflict resolution, disarmament, gender equality, intercultural understanding, and environmental stewardship.
Through peace education, learners gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues and the impact of their personal choices and actions on others. They develop critical thinking, empathy, cooperation, and communication skills, which enable them to analyze conflicts, challenge stereotypes, and find constructive solutions to resolve disputes peacefully.
Peace education can be applied at all levels of education, from early childhood to adulthood, to promote a culture of peace in schools, families, and communities. It emphasizes the fundamental principles of nonviolence, human rights, social justice, intercultural dialogue, and sustainability.
Ultimately, peace education aims to mediate the violence that exists in societies and build a world where people live together harmoniously, valuing human dignity and embracing diversity.
Etymology of PEACE EDUCATION
The word "peace education" combines two terms: "peace" and "education".
The term "peace" dates back to the 12th century, derived from the Old French word "pais", which means "peace, reconciliation, silence, agreement". It can be traced further back to the Latin word "pax", meaning "peace, treaty of peace, tranquility".
The term "education" originated in the 16th century, derived from the Latin word "educatio", which means "a rearing, training" or "a bringing up". It is related to the verb "educare", meaning "to bring up, rear, educate".
Therefore, "peace education" refers to the process of teaching individuals about peace, conflict resolution, non-violence, and establishing peaceful coexistence.
