Peace on the earth is the concept of an ideal state of happiness, freedom and peace within and among all people and nations on the planet. This idea of world nonviolence is one motivation for people and nations to willingly cooperate, either voluntarily or by virtue of a system of governance that objects it will be solved by love and peace.
Different cultures, religions, philosophies and organizations have varying concepts on how such a state would come about.
Various religious and secular organizations have stated aim of achieving world peace through addressing human rights, technology, education, engineering, medicine or diplomacy used as an end to all forms of fighting.
And the South Korean association named Heavenly Culture World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL) is one of the organizations which devotedly work on the peace and stability issues everywhere in the world.
It held out its 5th anniversary summit at Addis Ababa University recently under the theme “Steps toward Sustainable Peace Work in Ethiopia” and presented its performance and work areas in the country with the stakeholders.
HWPL Regional Manager in Ethiopia Jinjoo Jo told The Ethiopian Herald that it was established in Ethiopia in 2014 and mainly works to bring world peace and cessation of war and is now actively working over 100 countries including Ethiopia and aimed at wars to end and promote peace across the world.
She added: “We want to expand it more than ever in Ethiopia to promote and build peace in university areas and provide books for such institutions including private one in peace holding topics. And we work with utmost efforts to be peace source and guarantee that each and every individual respect one another.
According to her, first peace should come from the citizens not from the government, mainly from youth and women, and then the peace can be reliable in every sphere of life.
To establish and build peace in Ethiopia, the association is producing and supplying books for the universities. This enables the institutions to change the student mindset up through peace education curriculum. In return, this strengthens the department of peace and security.
HWPL has made agreements with ten Ethiopian Universities to work together in ensuring peace and stability. Beyond this, they are working with Ministry of Education on peace curriculum to be included in all educational levels in Ethiopia. It is also sharing South Korean experience to Ethiopia. “Peace and security should be taught at educational level,” she added.
The students should learn about peace, love, tolerance and forgiveness during their university stay.
As well, HWPL provides peace education materials to the students. This non- profit organization is supporting both public and private universities.
Yohannes Benti, Ethiopian Teachers Association President added that education plays vital role in achieving peace and fundamental human right those contribute to cultivate talentful individuals for the development of one’s nation.
“Throughout the history of human life for so many years, we Ethiopians are aware of war and conflicts. We need to focus on peace education to achieve peace by sustaining peace in the country and guiding students to the right direction to enter the right track of development.”
He continued: “Now it is the time to give them what is really needed is through educating them giving priority for peace and bring peace in our home, class room, school compound and our country.
We need to bring this aspect to our community; and we need to learn from each other since we have heterogeneous society and groups living together and keeping their identity and sharing experience for peace at the same time.”
On his part, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University President Dr. Dereje Engda said the agreements signed between his university and WHPL to share experience on the important of peace, how the students solve conflict when problems occur among the students is very important to understand how to manage.
Beyond teaching, universities have to work to change the student’s attitude, value and the way they behave. Therefore, in addition to extracurricular activities needed and books that asses on such issues will be included for the upcoming academic year with the help of WHPL, he said.
“These moral values should start at primary level to change students’ attitude on the importance of peace for their life. We are avoiding the problem that comes associated to conflict among the students. We are providing discussion conference before the class begins to avoid conflict in the university”.
Ethiopia is now found under the transition period in several areas like politics, education and economy so, it is important to promote peace.
“The peace curriculum education helps us the students and society in general to strength solidarity among Ethiopian people and restoration of peace,” he furthered.
AAU has been playing its role in promoting peace in the country. It has been providing peace and security in post graduate program that many students are attending and working researches related to peace.
Its peace club that promotes peace among the students ensuring the co-existence through sustainable dialogue should be scaled up at other higher education institutions.
In summing up, the collaboration that began with HWPL and Addis Ababa University to sustain peace and stability must be promoted besides making peace and security part of educational curriculum.
The Ethiopian Herald September 20, 2019
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
