Education for Sustainable Peace
Following the success of Education for Peace, APIE launched its Education for Sustainable Peace training programme in 2020.
Funded by the Lef-Pillon Trust and the British and Foreign School Society (now the Educational Opportunities Fund), the APIE team were able to deliver the teacher training programme in six schools and one teacher training college.
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme is an in-person activity involving participation in workshops and an e-learning suite. The programme is delivered to school leaders, teachers and trainee teachers and was officially approved by the Rwandan Education Board (REB). It was created in collaboration with the Aegis Trust, and delivered from Umubano Academy in Kigali.
“Peace, together with freedom, equality and justice, is one of the most desirable values in almost every society. It has become a universal symbol - a master concept that connotes a general, positive state that includes all the positive qualities that are cherished and aspired to by human beings.” Peace Education, Salomon and Nevo.
The CPD programme covers eight subjects which together introduce the foundations for building blocks of peace within the classroom.
Module 1: Behaviour Management – Classroom Contracts
Module 2: Rewards and Consequences
Module 3: Active Citizenship, School and Parent Engagement
Module 4: Social Skills
Module 5: Growth Mindset and Critical Thinking
Module 6: Group Work and Collaborative Learning
Module 7: Special Needs and Inclusive Education
Module 8: Gender Positive Education
“I learned new skills from the course, for example, my classroom behaviour management style has improved. The way I used to punish kids is different from how I do it now. I didn’t know that I could use reward techniques to motivate my students. Education is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about the way the teacher works with students and the wellbeing of students in the class.” Olivier, a newly qualified teacher.
To find out more about Education for Sustainable Peace, click here.
Education for Sustainable Peace - Case Study
“Before this teacher training, behaviour management in my classroom was a challenge. My classroom management style was different compared to what I do now.
“I learned that using rewards and focusing on positive behaviours are effective behaviour management techniques and I started implementing them. It is also important to change how we talk to learners. I also started having Parent’s Meetings.
“Teaching is not only about delivering the subject content - it is important to develop the social and emotional skills of the learners as well. I want my learners to have a positive well-being and to make good life decisions for themselves.
“When you care about the learners, they also start caring about themselves. The learners used to not be open with me, but now they approach me and feel comfortable with me because I talk to them. Now, when they engage in negative behaviours, they think about themselves and about me as well. I ask them what will be the consequences of their behaviour and how it will affect their learning. Then, they think twice about their behaviour and make it positive.
“I now treat my learners like I would treat my own children. My goal for the future is to be an excellent role model to my learners - intellectually, emotionally and physically.
“Teachers can teach anywhere at any time - not just when they are in the classroom. I now try to treat people outside of the classroom in the same way as I do with my learners. I try to speak in a positive way, be peaceful, not abruptly jump to conclusions, think before making decisions, and listen to others without making judgments.
“Overall, this course is very useful… I encourage as many teachers as I can to complete the course as well.”
Kenia (Teacher)