The peace in the classroom

Peace was naturally the major topic for discussion at the different Festivals. A very good starting point is to ask children to describe various situations in which they feel at peace. Many of the children at the Festivals came from war torn areas of the world or areas of trouble or unrest and so there was much discussion of war and how to stop it. Although the Cold War is over, many nuclear weapons remain in the world. A number of countries are still developing independent nuclear weapons and there is always the possibility that are still developing independent nuclear weapons

and there is always the possibility that terrorist groups will obtain the ingredients to make a nuclear bomb and use it to threaten other countries. Nuclear testing was also discussed by many of the children, especially those who live in the Pacific region. Children from as far away as Africa and Central America also showed concern.

At school, children may come into contact with those who are different from them, perhaps from other cultures, perhaps disabled. They need to understand that, in spite of differences, we all have common needs and aspirations. We are all part of one huge global family. We are all important and we should help one another. Tolerance may also mean not being upset when criticised by a teacher, or when working in a group. As an adult tolerance may mean seeing others' points of view.
Young people should be tolerant of other opinions and views. In games they need to realise that cheating or violent, selfish behaviour will not help to make them better members of a team or of society but by being tolerant they will learn to accept losing as easily as
winning. They may question why there are wars and why so many people have to suffer. It needs to be pointed out that there is a great deal of poverty, hate and jealousy around. We should strive to eliminate such sources of conflict.It is important to be tolerant to our
neighbours, whether they be children sitting next to each other, next door neighbours or neighbouring
countries. We should respect the Earth and all the people that live on it.