Sunday, July 12, 2009

Vacation Peace Education School




I have received many calls and emails asking about update about the blog. I am sorry, that it has taken me a while to keep you updated. For the past few months, I have been engaged with conducting a baseline survey in several schools. I was trying to learn about the causes of conflict and the levels of violence on campus.

Preliminary results from the survey shows that students lack the basic skills needed to sense the symptoms of conflict and the investigative skills needed to resolve these conflicts peacefully among their peers.


As a result, the Center for Peace Education has organized 3 different intensive workshops all running concurrently. First, we developed 6, one-week peer mediation workshops for students. It runs Monday – Friday for 3 ½ hours, typically in the morning. Second, we have a 1 ½ hour workshop in the afternoon where we provide job development training and help students write resumes, fill out application forms, and develop interview skills. This also runs Monday – Friday. Finally, we have a 6-week training course for teachers to teach peace education. This runs for 3 hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. I have been working a 10 hour shift a day. It is challenging, but I am VERY happy that students and teachers are learning the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to resolve conflict peacefully.
I will do my best to keep you posted on the development of the skills which the students have acquired.


The Center for Peace Education is pleased to welcome Justin Ralston as it First International Volunteer. Justin is currently helping facilitate the 3 different workshops being conducted through the Vacation Peace Education School.