THE outgoing director of the Ministry of Peace and Traditional Governance and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MPTGEA), Charles Kafa, has underlined the significance of transformative peace education in the Solomon Islands.
In a bid to promote a more harmonious and inclusive society in the country, the outgoing director Kafa emphasized that by imparting values of empathy, tolerance, and conflict resolution skills, peace education can play a pivotal role in fostering national peace and understanding.
Speaking at the annual International Education Day 2024 held at the Honiara Senior Secondary School on Friday, January 26th, 2024, Kafa, highlighted the pressing need to address the root causes of violence and conflict by promoting education that encourages peaceful coexistence and fosters a sense of national citizenship.
“Learning for a lasting peace is one of the key principles and strategies that lay a solid foundation for transformative and sustainable peace education in the Solomon Islands.
“The significance of fostering a holistic understanding, with emphasis on empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for global complexities, as cornerstones for building peaceful societies.
“The pivotal role of equipping individuals with conflict resolution skills, offering alternatives to violence, and promoting dialogue as means of addressing disputes peacefully,” Kafa said.
Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and MPTGEA are collaborating with stakeholders, faith-based organizations, education providers, and schools to develop a comprehensive peace education curriculum, aiming to mainstream it nationwide in the NEAP 2022-2026.
The Solomon Islands government is collaborating with the Ministry of Peace and Traditional Governance and Ecclesiastical Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, and other government ministries to promote peace initiatives.
Linking peace education to sustainable development, Kafa emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship, economic equity, and social justice in achieving long-term stability and peace.
He said cultivating cultural competence and celebrating diversity were identified as contributors to a harmonious society, fostering respect and cooperation among individuals from various backgrounds.
Kafa also stressed the importance of embracing traditional governance systems and integrating ecclesiastical affairs as a commitment to diverse cultural and religious perspectives, further contributing to community empowerment.
“The government’s outlined policy focuses and practical activities range from peace education initiatives to national consciousness identity and unity projects, showcasing a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
”The collaboration between the government and the Ministry of Peace and the Ministry of Education was highlighted as a united effort towards a harmonious, culturally rich, and united nation,” he said.
By empowering students as catalysts for positive change, Kafa believes that these strategies and activities pave the way for a brighter future rooted in lasting peace for the Solomon Islands.
“The collaborative and inclusive nature of these initiatives reflects a commitment to building a society that cherishes diversity, fosters understanding, and promotes unity through education,” he said.
