Bristol Quakers work for peaceful schools
'The aim of the project is to create a peaceful atmosphere in schools, where pupils treat each other with respect, work cooperatively, and resolve problems constructively.’
Bristol Quakers are starting a new online course for promoting peace in schools following a renewed interest in the programme since the pandemic.
According to Bristol Friends, interest in the Peaceful Schools Project has grown as teachers have become increasingly concerned about pupil’s mental wellbeing.
Quaker Helen Porter told the Friend that the eight-week free course, starting 16 September, is based on the programme run in primary schools by the Mid-Wales Peaceful Schools Project.
Mid-Wales Area Meeting started the initiative, which, according to the Bristol Quakers newsletter, ‘is not about Quakerism. It is a response to the culture of violence and hostility in society, as evidenced in violent video games, and as expressed in bullying in our schools and on our streets. The aim of the project is to create a peaceful atmosphere in schools, where pupils treat each other with respect, work cooperatively, and resolve problems constructively.’
Helen Porter said: ‘What we are doing is basic conflict resolution, teaching the skills and strategies for children to handle their own anger, deal with the anger directed at them, cope with their anxieties, and learn to work cooperatively. (“What did you learn?” “That everything isn’t always one way – you have to listen to other people’s needs or feelings.”)
‘Since lockdown meant we had to suspend our schools programmes I have spent the time running online training for interested groups or individuals in other areas. Participants range from a ready-made group of Bristol Quakers who knew they wanted to replicate our project, to an Ecocide group in Stroud, wanting to run the peace education programmes alongside their Earth Protector programmes.’
Bristol Quakers said the programme has been well received by schools in mid-Wales and the local inspectorate. There have been eighty-five delivered so far.
Comments
Please login to add a comment
