Addressing discrimination and xenophobia in schools through ethics education

In an increasingly globalized world where indicators of inter-group tensions are worsening and there is increasing xenophobia, discrimination and bullying in schools and communities,  education should provide children with peace-building tools and skills as well as nurturing ethical values.  Data shows, that there is an increase in bullying motivated by prejudice against someone’s actual or perceived race, ethnicity, culture, citizenship status or religion. This type of bullying is associated with a wide range of negative outcomes including poor mental health, lower academic engagement, and an increased risk of involvement in delinquent behaviours, especially among older learners.  Ethics education and its transformative pedagogy have demonstrated proven results to develop safe learning environments, support children’s sense of meaning and purpose, improve children’s relationships across religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ultimately equipping them to develop a sense of solidarity, building trust, and enhancing social relations to address polarization, division and fear of the other in communities.

This session is a highly interactive workshop based on the ethics education transformative pedagogy, which provides the opportunity to acquire knowledge, practice skills, learn from one another, and co-create learning together.  The workshop will contribute towards engaging in a narrative analysis about structural and cultural violence in schools, as well as will aim to contribute to generate reflections on how schools can become champions of peace through interactive pedagogical approaches, inclusive learning environments, dialogue approaches, children-led solutions, community engagement and a whole-school approach.

Speakers

• Dr. Scherto Gill, Director, Global Humanity for Peace Institute, University of Wales Trinity St David
• Mary Kangethe, Director, Education Programs, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
• Itje Chodidjah, Chairperson, Indonesia National Commission for UNESCO
• Maria Lucia Uribe, Executive Director, Arigatou International Geneva

Moderator

• Francisco Vila, Head of Programs, Arigatou Interntional Geneva

Interpretation

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Live streaming

All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organiser

• Arigatou International

Co-Organizers

• Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
• Indonesia National Commission for UNESCO
• Global Humanity for Peace Institute
• University of Wales Trinity St. David
• Guerrand-Hermes Foundation for Peace
• Higher Committee of Human Fraternity