Title: Raising children’s awareness of peace: a crucial mission for education in Lubumbashi
Introduction :
In the city of Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, thousands of local school students were recently made aware of the importance of peace and its impact on their daily lives. Organized by UNICEF on the occasion of International Education Day, this initiative aims to instill in children the values of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding. This awareness aims to make them actors of peace, capable of promoting harmonious coexistence in their schools, their communities and their living environment.
The key role of the school in transmitting the values of peace:
School is more than just a place for academic learning. It is a privileged space where the child develops his knowledge, but also his values and his sense of living together. Nicolas Nyange, head of a school in Lubumbashi, emphasizes the importance of instilling peace values in students from a young age. According to him, schools must train children so that they become true peacemakers. This involves acquiring social and emotional skills, such as peaceful conflict resolution, non-violent communication and respect for diversity.
Learning peace for a sustainable future:
The acting head of UNICEF office in Lubumbashi, Consolata Buhendwa, urges students to internalize and apply the notions of peace in their daily lives. It reminds children of their crucial role in building a future based on peace. Whether at school or in their community, they are called to be bearers of the message of peace, actors in peacebuilding. Their education is not limited to academic knowledge, but also includes the responsibility to promote harmonious relationships, mutual understanding and peaceful conflict resolution.
The celebration of International Education Day 2024:
The International Day of Education 2024 was placed under the theme “Learning for lasting peace”. This theme highlights the importance of education in building a peaceful and sustainable world. It is not only about transmitting knowledge, but also about training responsible, committed citizens capable of contributing to the construction of a peaceful and balanced society. Raising children’s awareness of peace therefore constitutes a crucial issue for education in Lubumbashi and beyond.
Conclusion :
Raising children’s awareness of peace is of paramount importance for building a harmonious future. In Lubumbashi, UNICEF organized an awareness day to encourage students to become actors of peace. This initiative aims to instill in children the values of tolerance, mutual respect and understanding, which are essential for harmonious coexistence. Education plays a key role in this mission, training children to become true peacemakers. By educating children about peace, we are investing in a sustainable future, based on collaboration, respect and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.