Kigali: HWPL extends Peace education to APADE during annual commemoration of world peace

On 31 May, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) organized a peace education event that was held at Association des Parents Adventistes pour le Développement de l’Education – (APADE) school in a bid to enlighten about 1700 students the importance of understanding and practicing peace in schools.

Students from APADE listening to the message about peace education from HWPL representatives.

Formal schools not only provide knowledge and skills, but they also shape social and cultural values, norms, attitudes and dispositions.

Peace education interventions in schools result in improved attitudes and cooperation among pupils, and decreased violence and dropout rates.

However, mainstreaming peace education is not straightforward especially in war torn counties. The space for peace education needs to be found within good existing systems, where complementary work can be undertaken.

John Park

The event was hosted by HWPL’s John Park with a congratulatory speech from the chairman about HWPL’s 10th Annual commemoration of the declaration of World peace under the theme “New Decade, Making institutional peace take root.” and thereafter, an introduction to HWPL and an explanation of the peace education initiatives presented to the students and staff of APADE.

Park mentioned of HWPL’s Chairman Man Hee Lee message to the students; “We are the messengers of peace born in this era with the mission to build a peaceful world and to leave it as a legacy to future generations. Let us fulfill this duty by putting in concerted efforts into the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) to be implemented as international law to achieve true peace across the globe. Then, we will be able to leave a world of peace as a lasting legacy to our children. This is a shared goal of humanity and the way to realize sustainable peace that mankind has been hoping for.”

The administrators and students of APADE presented their progress and feelings about peace education and expressed interest in HWPL peace education program in schools, how it will make a positive impact on the students.

Students singing a peace song at the event.

Rising young generation as citizens of peace is more important than anything else to transform the future of Rwanda into a better country.

In order for such future leaders to be born, education must be provided to students at school on topics such as peaceful attitudes, values, and experiences so that they can practice them in society.

Gatoya David

Gatoya David, the Coordinator of APADE said, “Rwanda has come a long way in achieving the peace that everyone in the country is enjoying, I myself believe that within a peaceful world everyone in this life could, of course, get a better chance to live in dignity. We all have to feel the great responsibility we have in order to convey this message of peace especially to students. I really appreciate what HWPL is preaching. I myself am very happy since this program has first kicked off from our school.”

The students read out an open letter to Sudan calling upon peace prevalence in the country as the on –going battles were affecting the lives of the citizens and in particular the students.

Niyizeyimana Eric who also read a solidarity letter for the students who have been distracted from their studies by the on-going war in Sudan.

Niyizeyimana Eric, a student, shared his thoughts, “It was a very enriching moment that needed to be shared to us students and staff of our schools, as it allowed us to reflect on and seek the path to peace education and learning. My plan is to continue seeking and sharing the values of peace instilled in me from home and ones I learn from school, based on respect for others and myself.”

Eric further said that, “I have been able to learn that we cannot build peace when selfishness and resentment invade our minds and hearts and that no matter how insignificant it may seem to others, we must always do good deeds for peace wherever we go. I have to live and set an example in order to be a messenger of peace. Peace begins with me.”

There is no place under heaven and earth that is more beautiful and better to live in than the Earth.

However, many people are suffering from war, famine, a gap between the rich and the poor, environmental pollution, and more all over the world due to human greed and selfishness. Such reality that humanity faces still remains a problem to be solved and is being passed on to the future generations.

HWPL proposed peace education program among its other programs that focus on youth, women, religion, politics and media as a way to leave a beautiful world of peace as a legacy for the future generations.

Join a Free Peace Educator Training Program
Join a FREE Peace Educator Training Program from HWPL Peace organization and get a Certificate of completion!

You can also learn Korean along with the program.
-* When?
Starting from June.3(Sat) to June.17(Sat) 2023
Every Saturday, 3PM

-* Where?
Through Online Zoom Application

-* How?
1. Apply for the Peace Educator Training Program through the following Google Form link. https://forms.gle/iaA1rgQSwBDVqiqZA

2. Staff from HWPL will contact you via Whatsapp with the program Zoom Link.

✼ No cost is required.

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