Peacebuilding

The Importance of Teaching The Art of Peacebuilding To Children

Each year, 500 million to 1.5 billion children around the world are subjected to some form of violence. More than one billion children were living in areas affected by conflict and violence (UNICEF). Peacebuilding from the early stages of life is a long-term solution to instability and community conflicts.

Children growing up in many regions of the world are exposed to unstable and adverse living conditions creating uncertainty and insecurity for them and their families, children are frequently exposed to aggression and violence in homes, schools, neighborhoods and media (Huesmann & Eron, 1986).

At the earliest stages of childhood is when children start being conscious of their environment the ethnical divides and the stereotypes surrounding them. Children brought up in conflict stricken societies find it hard to outgrow such characters when they get older. Kids are the most vulnerable to conflict. According to UNICEF, the percentage of out of school children in conflict zones has risen to 27 million, hence the need to enhance their skills around peace building and promoting values that ensure peace like, respect for human rights, freedom and confidence.

The integration of peace education with the curriculum is a great milestone to enhancing peace; it will ensure increase access to quality and relevant conflict sensitive education that contributes to peace building.