Peace education that instilled the importance of peace
in children's mind in the Balkan Peninsula
North Macedonia is a small country located in the middle of Balkan Peninsula of southern Europe and has a population of approximately 2 million people. North Macedonia gained independence from the Yugoslav Federation in August 1991 under the name 'Republic of Macedonia', but it is a region with a complex international situation, including a long-term dispute with Greece over the use of the country name 'Macedonia'. In North Macedonia, 64% of the population is Orthodox, and Muslims account for 33%. First peace school of north Macedonia is Partenie Zografski Elementary School, located in the capital Skopje, which emphasizes multi-ethnic education and education for nurturing future citizens. This school signed a MOU for peace education with HWPL and introduced a curriculum to provide peace education to students.
◆ Peace education started in an elementary school
The first step was taken in April 2021. Lydia Ristovska Atanasova, an English teacher at this school, recognized the need for peace after seeing HWPL's peace education curriculum, and took great interest in and actively introduced peace education for students.
He said “The peace education program gave students the opportunity to learn that all people are equal and have their own purpose in the world. Students learned that we all have a big role to play in the world and can be messengers of peace. Through proper education about peace, students can grow into strong individuals who strive for a peaceful community. Only through this, we can achieve peace together and make the world a better place.”
Teachers should not forget their mission as teachers, especially the task of turning students into creative future citizens of peace. HWPL peace education is absolutely necessary for students. Peace education is important for everyone, but especially for children who are building their identity. When I first started the Peace Education Project, I didn't know what to expect and I really didn't know how the students would react during the Peace Education Period. But, the students were very active and as a teacher it helped me get to know the students I teach better.”
◆Students : “When we consider others, we take a step toward peace”
Students who were exposed to peace education for the first time had a strong awareness of 'peace' and thought of ways to achieve peace and came up with practical methods.
Student Ivona Jovewska said, “There was something new that struck me. Everyone can show peace to the world if they want to. We need peace to live a happy and loving life. To create a world of peace, we first need to find peace within ourselves, and then we need to find peace within the people around us. I want to spread peace regardless of race and religion. For example, no matter what other people’s race or religion, we should treat them equally.”
There were also students who learned how to be considerate of others through peace education. Student Mila Belkovska emphasized the importance of peace, saying, “I learned how to care for others through peace education. A world without peace would be a very sad place. It doesn't take much to achieve peace. a lot is not necessary. We just need people to work together and motivation for world peace.”
Student Iva Todorowska also emphasized, saying "I learned to be kinder and more considerate to others through peace education. I also learned some new helpful terms. We can make peace if we have good people willing to help everyone. Let's join the peace activities."
Student Vilyana Mladenovic said "Every activity to achieve peace will be worth it. If there was peace, the world would be a better place for social life. To achieve this, we need to respect, support, help and be kind to each other.” After receiving a peace education, he said, “I decided that I should be a person who helps people in need, supports people, be equal to everyone and tries to fix the world as much as I can.”
Some students thought that efforts for peace would prevent war. Student Iva Alexoska said, “The road to peace is difficult, but it will be very rewarding when we achieve peace. Humanity has witnessed and experienced the worst wars, and through peace we can minimize war. Furthermore, we will eventually be able to eradicate violent wars. To achieve this, we must effectively spread and enforce peace in every corner of the planet. We must ensure that those who oppose peace and love are not placed in positions of power, and we need to raise our voices so that all our efforts are not pushed back.”
Student Andre Manevsky explained the necessity of peace education, saying "If we do not have peace, this world will be filled with war. We need peace to live a peaceful life. I want to become a messenger of peace. We must spread love and try to cease war. If I become a messenger of peace, I will make a song of peace and sing."
◆ Introduction of peace education after HWPL peace walk
Meanwhile, at one university, a peace walk was held to spread the culture of peace with students in attendance. On May 22, 2019, at the University of Tetova, located in Tetovo, North Macedonia, '6th commemorative ceremony of 'Declaration of World Peace Restoration of Light and Peace Walk' was held with about 100 students including student president of Islamic Emeri Tetova University and its members. Students walked around the campus holding pickets prepared with a wish for peace and delivered the message to students and citizens on campus, conveying the message that the end to violence and conflict begins through young people's active participation in peace activities. Student president of Islam Emeri Tetova University who hosted the event, said, “Through the Peace Walk, we must make people more sensitive to the importance of peace and spread this message of peace to all corners of the world.”
Personnel from North Macedonia who interacted with the HWPL Peace Education Department attended a peace education workshop, and In August 2021, HWPL Peace Education Workshop in Balkan region was held. At this workshop, 40 people from North Macedonia and two other countries attended.
Reference : https://bit.ly/3UXzbQ4
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