Schools to add conflict resolution to syllabus

Mar 18, 2008

THE Ministry of Education is to introduce a new course on peace and conflict resolution in schools, Musa Ecweru, the disaster preparedness state minister, has said.

By Florence Nakaayi

THE Ministry of Education is to introduce a new course on peace and conflict resolution in schools, Musa Ecweru, the disaster preparedness state minister, has said.

“We want peace education to be part and parcel of our syllabus. We should now use the children to fight that hatred among us before it explodes to another generation,” Ecweru said.

This was during the Conflict Resolution programme at the National Theatre in Kampala recently. The conflict resolution programme was organised by the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), supported by UNESCO. Children from St. Peter’s Primary School Nsambya, performed a play to portray the effects of cultural conflict on development.
The pupils also donated clothes to the children in northern Uganda.

“It is sad that some politicians teach hatred instead of peace. Everyone, including teachers and religious leaders, should spread the gospel of peace and reconciliation,” Ecweru said.

The Rev. Francis Tukwasibwe the assistant secretary general, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO attended the workshop.

Joseph Walugembe, the director of the National Theatre, said through drama, children would learn a lot and become teachers of peace to their parents.

“Most of the conflicts in our societies have a background of cultural influence.
“We hope that through drama, large societies can be reached and realise the effects of hatred,” Walugembe said. He added that they would start peace clubs in schools.

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