Quaker charity launches school pack
There has never been a more important time for schools to help children navigate conflict, difference and complex global issues.’
The Quaker Peacemakers charity has launched a free pack to help schools become more peaceful. The move, designed to coincide with International Day of Living Together in Peace, is part of the charity’s bid ‘to roll out nationwide support for teachers and schools to develop skills and tools for building peace in the classroom, playground and wider community’.
The pack was designed by Heather Rowlands, a former deputy headteacher from Cotteridge Meeting, and Peacemakers’ programme manager. ‘There has never been a more important time for schools to help children navigate conflict, difference and complex global issues,’ she said.
‘Peace education is developing and practising the tools, skills and confidence to build peace within ourselves, peace among those we live and work with, and peace in the wider world. In today’s world, as war dominates our news and our communities deal with division, violence and difference, these skills are as fundamental as maths and literacy. But hard-pressed teachers need support to explore these complex issues and foster these critical skills in their students. That’s why, after almost forty years of helping schools in the West Midlands implement peace education projects, we’ve decided to develop tools available to schools across the country.’
Set up by Central England Area Meeting, Peacemakers started in 1987 and has grown from being volunteer-run to now having four paid staff and ten freelance trainers.
Though not overtly ‘flying the Quaker flag’, said Heather, the charity ‘puts Quaker testimonies into action’. Schools who have worked with Peacemakers report that children have more confidence and empathy; develop their listening skills; find their voice; and build emotional literacy, wellbeing and self-esteem.
Nicola Brookes, deputy headteacher at Cawston Grange Primary School in Rugby, said the Learning for Peace journey had been ‘incredibly positive’ for both pupils and staff.
‘This programme is completely embedded within our practice, and we believe it has helped to make our school a happier place to be for everyone.’
The new resources are part of a three-year project to equip schools across the UK to develop peace education, funded by the Sir James Reckitt Trust.
