Peace education aims to change children’s cultural attitudes so that future generations will be less violent and more oriented toward peaceful coexistence. It was originally intended to reduce the risk of a nuclear holocaust and the likelihood of global war. Peace education has evolved over time to include a broader range of skills, such as interpersonal techniques for dealing with people on a daily basis and teaching children how to maintain inner peace.
Peace education’s ultimate goal is for children to grow up with a respect for peace and an understanding of how to make it a reality. Peace education advocates believe that gaining this knowledge will eventually lead to a more peaceful society. Peace education is frequently prioritized in cultures where there is a lot of conflict or ethnic tension.
Teaching children to be more tolerant of differences in other societies is one of the most important aspects of peace education. Depending on the culture being taught, the approach used to teach these skills may differ. Teachers will typically seek out a unique approach to dealing with personal prejudices and regional issues in a given population. In order to achieve a more effective outcome, allowances are sometimes made for particular cultural leanings. Peace education aimed at one society may appear offensive to people in another society on the surface, but it is all aimed at the same basic goal.
Over time, peace education has tended to focus more on personal peace strategies. One of the central concepts is that if a person feels peaceful on the inside, he or she will be less likely to act aggressively or violently. Many peace educators work with children to teach them how to live in a peaceful state at all times, avoiding aggression and other negative feelings or behaviors.
Teaching children strategies for achieving peace, both on a personal and global level, is a common focus of peace education. In general, they will learn about concepts such as maintaining strength in order to avoid conflict, as well as mediation between disputing parties. Many classes teach students about the various issues that can lead to war, as well as strategies for dealing with them. The students are frequently encouraged to apply these skills in their daily lives, particularly with their peers. As the children grow into adults and assume leadership roles, the hope is that their practical daily experience in implementing peace will translate into effective global strategies.