RELEVANCE OF PEACE EDUCATION IN POST-WAR LIBERIA

A Reflection Paper
By: Aloysius B. Nyanti

Peace education according to Dr. Andria Wisler, Assistant Professor of Justice and Peace Studies
at Georgetown University in Washington, is an “academic field of reflection, social practice, way
of life and course of action that develop people’s capacities to think and act positively and
constructively. It is basically about peace by peaceful means or process whose initiatives must
respond to the social, gender, spiritual, cultural, economic, environmental, political aspects of
society”1. Peace Education, as a field, is based on values that generally focused on respecting of
all life; rejection of violence; sharing with others; listening to and understanding others;
preserving the earth; and rediscovering solidarity with our neighbors and society2. All of these
values are aimed at promoting a better and a safer world.

According to Nina Meyerhof, Peace can be taught as a theoretical construct and at the same time
it can be emphasized as a management tool3. “Peace education is not the history of peacemaking
but the capacity to create peace in one’s environment while standing for truth and justice and self
preservation,”4 she noted.

I strongly believe that introducing peace education as a course or subject in all schools in Liberia
will enhance and promote the culture of peace in response to the14- years of brutal civil war in
the country. Peace education should target teachers, and students with intent to enhance leaning in
schools and promote harmonious relationships which guarantee the culture of non-violence and
peace among students and the larger society.
.
Typical of any community, the school is an abode of steaming conflicts, disagreements and
misunderstandings, because youths and adults from diverse background converge here. In
addition, it is often a breeding ground for recurring conflicts if not diagnosed, responded to and
resolved amicably.

Liberia is a nation that has a long history of bitter civil war. This has been manifested through
anger, fear, hatred and other stress-related emotions often exhibited by the youths who find
themselves trapped in diverse community. Although many of the conflicts in the schools may not
be symptoms of problems arising from the school system, they often interfere with the operation
of the learning environment. These conflicts can make the learning environment un-conducive5.

Conflicts as a natural part of human life, is also part of school’s life. Learning life-skills, which
foster positive relationships with friends and neighbors, are vital. Such life-skills as effective,
communication, self awareness, decision-making, etc, when acquired, could significantly
change the atmosphere at schools, homes and communities. This in turn would pave way for
pleasant and peaceful individual and community association.

In a nut-shell, the introduction and teaching of peace education in Liberian schools could be a
pedestal upon which students, teachers as well as parents can draw inspiration to handle conflict
in a non-violent manner. It will also trigger-off social networks in schools which are vital for peer
learning, sharing and improving the life-skills.

1
See Wisler, A, Power Point Presentation at EPU on Wednesday – Thursday, March 11-12, 2009

2
See Nina Meyerhof note on “From Peace Education to education for Spiritual Peacebuilding”
3
ibid
4
ibid
5
See West Africa Network for Peace Building Non-violence and Peace Education experts meeting report, May 28 -30, 2001, Accra,