Creating Coexistence in Iran through Peace Education
A culture of peace can be enhanced in Iran by focusing on Peace education which comprises of various aspects. The three prerequisites for peace education are basically tolerance, pluralism and peace. Peace education should be introduced in Iran since it generally involves the promotion of knowledge, attitudes, values as well as skills that are conducive to non-violence. Those obligated with the duty of carrying out peace education in Iran should work towards instilling an active commitment to building not only a caring but also a cooperative and democratic society. Therefore it is quiet evident that peace education is a major means of learning to live together, making it a major institute of teaching coexistence. Peace education has the sole purpose of helping a new generation build a tolerant society through developing respect for individual rights as well as those of groups. This will contributes to the greater good of all Iranians and the rest of the world. This will also help Iran build a better relationship with the rest of the world.
Globalization is also an important aspect in peace building. It is of ultimate importance to extend peace education to marginalized communities in Iran. Peace education should be enhanced among school going children so that they can understand the existence of other cultures. This will help them respect various cultures other than their own and ensure they grow into adults who are free from prejudice and are more willing to explore the diverse cultures around them. It is also important to comprehend people’s perceptions on peace especially among people who have experienced war most of lives. This will in turn help to understand the relationship between emotions of the Iranians and the constant conflicts among themselves and the rest of the world. The way certain groups feel about other group basically determines how they relate with each other and how they treat one another. The people of Iran should be taught how to reconcile and compromise with each other and those they consider their enemies; be able to turn negative feelings into positive feelings.
Religious beliefs also affect people’s perceptions and in the process of acquiring these beliefs, some could lead them to undermining other religions and hence conflict. Religious leaders in Iran and those from the rest of the world should take it upon themselves to encourage interreligious encounters. They should also make it their duty to preach peace to men women and children. This can lead to positive contributions in moderating tension among people of different religions and in turn reduce conflicts that in several cases begin as religious misunderstandings. All in all those who come up with the peace education initiatives should put into consideration the above ideologies and work hand in hand to establish frameworks that can be implemented for peace education. The process of educating people about coexistence should occur at every level including colleges, schools, government organizations, community groups not leavening out media and corporation.
Reference
Iram, Yaacov, 2006, Educating Toward a Culture of Peace, Charlotte, NC, Information
Age Publishing Inc.
