All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

France expects to have 1000 kilometers of solar routes within 5 years!

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from Ubergizmo (translated by CPNN)

As we have mentioned previously, solar roads and streets could well redefine the way we produce energy. These roads covered with solar panels can produce energy to feed urban facilities, or even vehicles driving on the road. The minister of environment and energy, Ségolène Royal, intends to build 1000 km within 5 years.

solaires

The minister intends to comply with a commitment made during the COP21, and the French company Colas, a subsidiary of Bouygues, seems to have what is needed. By applying photovoltaic panels 7 mm thick directly on the surface, it becomes possible to capture energy from the sun, in the cities.

After five years of development, in collaboration with the National Solar Energy Institute (Ines), these “Wattway” panels seem to adhere well to conventional routes and can withstand the wear of trucks even in difficult weather.

Thanks to these panels, urban areas can take advantage of “renewable energy closer to the places where electricity consumption is highest and where demand is growing steadily”. And in remote areas, solar highways “will create local production and sustainable energy in place”.

What can be done with the electricity generated? public lighting, illuminated signs, street cars, homes, offices, everything is possible. According Colas, 1 km of Wattway solar road can power public lighting of a town of 5000 inhabitants. To be continued !

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

( Click here for the French version of this article.)

Question for this article:
Europe, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

La France devrait avoir 1 000 km de routes solaires d’ici 5 ans !

. . DEVELOPPEMENT DURABLE . .

Un article de Ubergizmo

Nous vous en avons parlé plus d’une fois, les routes solaires pourraient bien redéfinir notre manière de produire de l’énergie. Ces routes couvertes de panneaux solaires permettraient alors d’alimenter des équipements urbains, ou même des véhicules en train de rouler. Et Ségolène Royal a l’intention d’en faire construire 1 000 km d’ici 5 ans.

solaires

La ministre de l’Écologie entend bien respecter l’un des engagements pris durant la COP21, et la société française Colas, filiale de Bouygues, semble justement avoir ce qu’il faut. En collant des dalles photovoltaïques de 7 mm d’épaisseur directement sur la chaussée, il devient possible de capter l’énergie du soleil, dans les villes.

Après cinq ans de développement, en collaboration avec l’Institut national de l’énergie solaire (Ines), ces dalles « Wattway » offrent évidemment une adhérence équivalente à des routes classiques et peuvent supporter passage de poids-lourds comme météo difficile.

Grâce à elles, les zones urbaines pourront profiter d’ »une énergie renouvelable au plus près des lieux où la consommation d’électricité est la plus élevée et où la demande est en croissance constante« . Et dans les régions isolées, la route solaire « permettra de créer des infrastructures de production d’énergie locales et pérennes, en circuit court« .

À quoi servira alors l’électricité produite ? Éclairage public, enseignes lumineuses, tramways, logements, bureaux, tout est possible. Selon Colas, 1 km de route solaire Wattway permet d’alimenter l’éclairage public d’une ville de 5 000 habitants. À suivre !

( Clickez ici pour la version anglaise .)

Question for this article:
Uncategorized

26th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly concludes with gratitude to Ebola fighters and peace as priorities of the continent

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

A press release from the African Union

The two day meeting of the 26th Ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union officially came to an end today 31 January, 2016 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. The closing ceremony witnessed the appreciation ceremony for stakeholders who supported the African Union’s intervention in the Ebola epidemic.

African Union
H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Commission (AUC), appreciated and acknowledged the African heroes against Ebola and formerly closed the AU Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) mission. Through the efforts of the AU Commission led by its Chairperson, the African Union sent 855 health workers to the Ebola affected countries. In her remarks, the Chairperson of the AUC thanked the African countries who contributed to the fight against the epidemic. She also saluted the countries which were most affected; Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and the timely response of Mali and Nigeria.

The Chairperson paid tribute to those at the frontline, who paid the ultimate price with their lives, the private sector who initiated the cell phone SMS campaign that enabled citizens to contribute financially, the World Bank, the Red cross, UN agencies as well as the countries that supported the mission. She extended a special appreciation to the young health workers who resigned from their respective jobs and volunteered willingly to assist in the spirit of Pan Africanism and solidarity. Through their efforts, the Chairperson added, the volunteers are now equipped with special skills and expertise that their respective countries will benefit immensely from, and they would also be available in case of any future outbreaks.

Dr Dlamini Zuma, in her conclusion, appealed to Heads of State and government to work together to establish the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and also expand the Africa Risk Capacity to respond to outbreaks.

H.E. Idriss Deby Itno, Chairperson of the African Union brought the 26th Ordinary session of the African Union to an end. In his remarks the AU Chairperson appreciated the environment and atmosphere of the Summit which was peaceful. He thanked the Assembly for their recommendations in respect of the fight against terrorism in Africa. President Deby appealed to all Member States to take seriously, issues which undermine the development of Africa. Dialogue is the key, he said. In addition, he appealed to the African Union to strengthen its efforts to find ways of bringing peace to Burundi and South Sudan. “We cannot tolerant violence which kills thousands of Africans and leaves them displaced, let us all be vigilant and listen to the cries of our people.”

The Chairperson underscored the absolute need to conclude the reforms of the structure of the AU Commission, to facilitate the efforts of the AU in line with the theme of the Summit 2016, i.e. African Year of Human Rights, with particular focus on the rights of women. He said the theme should be given high priority.

“In the course of my tenure, I will be concrete and dedicated to the AU” the Chairperson pledged. He thanked the AUC Chairperson and all her team for a successful summit, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for hosting, the media, protocol staff and all those that contributed to the successful completion of the 26th Ordinary session.

Questions for this article:
Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Cameroon: Community radio in the service of peace education

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from the Journal du Cameroun
 
In view of the terrorist attacks that have led to a deterioration of the humanitarian and security conditions in regions of the country, and from which thousands of Cameroonians have fled their homes, this radio project aims to improve the prevention of conflicts and inter-community dialogue between refugees and host communities, and educate young girls and boys who are vulnerable to terrorist recruitment.

Cameroun
One of the radio control rooms © Rights reserrved

UNESCO and its partners have mobilized the community and four local radio stations in the process of building peace through education. The stations were chosen for their ability to reach the most remote areas by providing information and educational programs in local languages.

“A UNESCO study on the situation in these densely populated areas reveals that misunderstandings among different communities and between them are one of the main problems,” said Cletus Tabe Ojong, Programme Specialist Communication and Information at Regional Office of UNESCO in Yaoundé.

Personnel of the four stations, Echoes of the Mountains of Mokolo, Radio Sava de Mora, Radio Kousseri and the regional station based in Maroua, were trained in the development of local programs on peacebuilding, mediation, prevention and resolution of conflicts, education for nonviolence and dialogue and intercultural and interfaith reconciliation.

The four stations produce over 60 programs on substantive issues to create links between the different communities. On the air, members of rural communities discuss issues related to community inclusion and non-violent conflict resolution. In Mokolo, an area surrounded by villages regularly hit by terrorist attacks, the auditors become aware of the impact of programs related to peace and non-violent resolution of local conflicts. Education programs for peace not only provide knowledge on the culture of peace, but also transmit the skills to recognize and defuse potential conflicts, and to actively promote and build a culture of peace.

(Article continued in the right column.)

(Click here for the French version of this article.)

Question(s) related to this article:

African journalism and the Culture of Peace, A model for the rest of the world?

How can peace be promoted by radio?

(Article continued from left column)

“The themes highlight the challenges we face given the current situation in our region,” said Abdurahman Saidou, a member of the regional branch of the Cameroon Association for Interreligious Dialogue, committed to the construction of a peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

Among the high-impact programs are local news, magazines, micro-programs, live debates and discussions in the national languages. Some programs are presented by Youth Ambassadors for Peace, identified and trained by UNESCO to raise awareness among their peers at school and during extracurricular activities. In addition, listening groups are being created by the youth ambassadors to encourage mobilization, dialogue and action in structures of formal and informal education.

The project, implemented from March 2015 to March 2016, is a joint initiative of UNESCO, UNDP and the FAO entitled “Rapid response to resilience and conflict prevention population of the Far North regions and East of Cameroon.” It is financed by Japan. Radio stations, students (in schools and during extracurricular activities), traditional leaders, religious leaders, political and administrative authorities and the populations directly affected by the humanitarian emergency have been the beneficiaries.

The action of UNESCO in the field of education for peace and human rights is guided by its Constitution, by the World Programme for Education in Human Rights (2005- present) and by the target 4.7 of the Education agenda 2030. It is also implemented as part of the Action Plan of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the prevention of violent extremism. In October 2015, UNESCO’s Member States adopted an important decision to enhance the role of UNESCO in the prevention of violent extremism through education.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Cameroun: la radio communautaire au service de l’éducation à la paix

LIBERTÉ DE L’INFORMATION

Un article du Journal du Cameroun

Les attaques terroristes ont entraîné une dégradation des conditions humanitaires et sécuritaires dans ces régions du pays, et des milliers de Camerounais ont fui leurs foyers. Ce projet radio a pour but d’améliorer la prévention des conflits et le dialogue inter-communautaire entre les réfugiés et les communautés d’accueil, et de sensibiliser les jeunes filles et garçons qui sont vulnérables au recrutement terroriste.

Cameroun
La salle de régie d’antenne d’une radio © Droits réservés

L’UNESCO et ses partenaires ont mobilisé la communauté et quatre stations de radio locales dans le processus de construction de la paix par l’éducation. Les stations ont été choisies pour leur capacité à atteindre les zones les plus reculées en diffusant des informations et des programmes éducatifs dans les langues locales.

« Une étude de l’UNESCO sur la situation dans ces régions densément peuplées révèle que les malentendus au sein des différentes communautés et entre ces dernières sont l’un des principaux problèmes rencontrés », indique Cletus Tabe Ojong, Spécialiste de programme Communication et information au Bureau régional de l’UNESCO à Yaoundé.

Les stations, Échos des montagnes de Mokolo, la Radio Sava de Mora, la Radio Kousseri et la station régionale basée à Maroua ont été formées à l’élaboration de programmes locaux sur la construction de la paix, la médiation, la prévention et la résolution des conflits, l’éducation à la non-violence et le dialogue et la réconciliation interculturels et interreligieux.

Les quatre stations produisent plus de 60 programmes sur des questions de fond visant à créer des liens entre les différentes communautés. À l’antenne, les membres des communautés rurales discutent de questions relatives à l’inclusion communautaire et à la résolution non-violente des conflits. À Mokolo, une zone entourée de villages régulièrement frappés par des attaques terroristes, les auditeurs ont pris conscience de l’impact des programmes traitant de la paix et de la résolution non-violente des conflits locaux. Les programmes d’éducation pour la paix fournissent non seulement des connaissances sur la culture de la paix, mais transmettent également les compétences nécessaires pour reconnaître et désamorcer les conflits potentiels, et pour promouvoir activement et instaurer une culture de la paix.

(Voir suite sur colonne de droite. . . )

(Cliquez ici pour la version anglaise de cet article.)

Question(s) related to this article:

African journalism and the culture of peace, A model for the rest of the world?

(. . . suite)

« Les thèmes mettent en lumière les défis que nous devons surmonter compte tenu de la situation actuelle dans notre région », a indiqué Abdourahman Saidou, membre de la branche régionale de l’Association camerounaise pour le dialogue interreligieux, engagée en faveur de la construction d’une cohabitation pacifique entre les Musulmans et les Chrétiens.

Parmi les programmes à fort impact figurent les actualités locales, les magazines, les microprogrammes, les débats en direct et les discussions dans les langues nationales. Certains programmes sont présentés par de jeunes ambassadeurs pour la paix, identifiés et formés par l’UNESCO afin de sensibiliser leurs camarades à l’école et pendant les activités extrascolaires. Par ailleurs, des groupes d’auditeurs seront créés par les ambassadeurs pour encourager la mobilisation, le dialogue et surtout l’action auprès des membres des structures scolaires et extrascolaires.

Le projet, mis en œuvre de mars 2015 à mars 2016, est une initiative conjointe de l’UNESCO, du PNUD et de la FAO intitulée « Réponse rapide pour la résilience et la prévention des conflits des populations des régions de l’Extrême-Nord et de l’Est du Cameroun » et financée par le Japon. Les stations de radio, les élèves (dans les écoles et durant les activités extrascolaires), les chefs traditionnels, les chefs religieux, les autorités administratives et politiques ainsi que les populations directement touchées par l’urgence humanitaire en ont été les bénéficiaires.

L’action de l’UNESCO dans le domaine de l’éducation à la paix et aux droits de l’homme est guidée par son Acte constitutif, par le Programme mondial en faveur de l’éducation aux droits de l’homme (2005-présent) et par la cible 4.7 de l’agenda Éducation 2030. L’Organisation œuvre également dans le cadre du Plan d’action du Secrétaire général de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la prévention de l’extrémisme violent. En octobre 2015, les États membres de l’UNESCO ont adopté une décision importante visant à renforcer le rôle de l’UNESCO dans la prévention de l’extrémisme violent par le biais de l’éducation.

Uncategorized

Muslims Advance Consensus for Citizenship for All: The Marrakesh Declaration

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

A press release by Religions for Peace, Marrkesh, 27 January 2016

At the invitation of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, 250 of the world’s eminent Islamic leaders convened to discuss the rights of religious minorities and the obligation to protect them in Muslim majority states.

Marrakesh
 Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President, Forum for Promoting Peace and Co-Moderator, Religions for Peace, addressing the gathering

This position has historic roots dating to the time of Prophet Mohammed and the Medina Charter. Today’s Declaration was issued at a time of heightened social hostility fueled by violent extremism, widespread Islamophobia and the denial of rights, sometimes justified by misrepresentations of Islamic teachings.
 
The conference was organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies based in Abu Dhabi. His Eminence Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, the President of the Forum for Promoting Peace and Co-Moderator of Religions for Peace (RfP), offered the keynote address that set the framework for deliberation among the Islamic leaders. Fifty senior leaders from the world’s diverse religious traditions other than Islam were invited as observers of the Islamic deliberations.
 
A summary of the Marrakesh Declaration includes:
 
• “The objectives of the Charter of Medina provide a suitable framework for national constitutions in countries with Muslim majorities, and are in harmony with the United Nations Charter and related documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
 
• “Affirm[s] that it is impermissible to employ religion for the purpose of detracting from the rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries.”
 
• “Call[s] upon representatives of the various religions, sects and denominations to confront all forms of religious bigotry, vilification and denigration of what people hold sacred, as well as all words that promote hatred and racism.”
 
The fifty religious leaders other than Muslims:
 
• Expressed their gratitude to the Islamic leaders for their unflinching courage and devotion to their tradition and for welcoming non-Muslims among them as observers;
 
• Affirmed values shared with the Islamic leaders;
 
• Asked forgiveness for past and current injuries for which their communities are complicit;
 
• Shared particular concerns over violence in the name of religion, limitations of citizenship, restrictions on freedom of religion or belief, and xenophobia, especially Islamophobia;
 
• Committed to follow-up work in solidarity with Muslim brothers and sisters to build a culture of peace; and,
 
• Respectfully expressed the hope that this convening of Islamic leaders will be continued by future regional conferences.
 
Every attack, every hate crime, every insult, every humiliation is amplified in the media and sends out a polarizing wave, fueling the rise in hostility. Only religious communities cooperating — standing shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity — can transform this vicious cycle into a virtuous one, in which the good deeds of each community call out to and reinforce the good deeds of the others. RfP is committed to supporting all religious communities in collaborative efforts to build a virtuous cycle for Peace.
 
Read the Marrakesh Declaration Summary in Arabic Here.

Read the Marrakesh Declaration Summary in English Here


Question related to this article:

How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

This discussion question applies to the following articles:

Creating Harmony in the World: Working through Our Faiths in Dialogue
Alternate Focus: Balance in Media Coverage in Middle East
The Parliament of the World's Religions (Barcelona, Spain)
Asian Religious Leaders Urge Religions To Teach Peace
Living Faiths Together – Tool kit on inter-religious dialogue in youth work
Sharing the right to Jerusalem's past
The Doha Pre-Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Peace For Childrens in Primary Schools in Iraq
Dialogue in Nigeria — a new DVD teaching-tool for peacemakers
4th Annual International Conference on Religion, Conflict and Peace
First Religious Youth Service Project in Pakistan
World Harmony Day at the UN Highlights the Culture of Peace
Report of Diversity Talk Series 2013, in Lahore, Pakistan
Journée d'étude à Tunis: Religions et cultures au service de la paix
Workshop in Tunis: Religions and cultures in the service of peace
Out of the spotlight, Moroccan Islamic party promotes interfaith dialogue
Muslim and Christian youth come together in Mombasa, Kenya
Greeting of Peace from United Social Welfare Society, Pakistan
Interfaith Cultural Study Tour to Nepal: Pakistan Youth Explore the Mysteries of Nepal
One Nation, One Blood (Pakistan)
Teachings of Peace
Overview of the Book, Paganism an Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions
La líder de un movimiento interreligioso Dena Merriam recibirá el 31 Niwano Peace Prize
Dena Merriam, Founder and leader of The Global Peace Initiative of Women to receive the Niwano Peace Prize
Pakistan: Scholars adopt charter of peace, support coexistence
Lebanese dialogue aims to strengthen unity in diversity
Un an du “Projet Revalorisation du Vivre Ensemble – REVE” au Niger
A Year-long Project for “Living Together – REVE” in Niger
Beating the drum for peace: A chat with the general secretary of the South Sudan Council of Churches

Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Mali: Elaboration of a national program for culture of peace: Experts at work

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article by Ousmane Ballo for MaliActu (translated by CPNN)

On 18 and 19 January 2016 at the Hotel Salam, a workshop brought together national and international experts to develop a national program on the culture of peace in our country.

Mali
Zahabi Ould Sidi Mohamed

Organized by the Minister of National Reconciliation in collaboration with the UNESCO Office in Bamako, the workshop brought together all stakeholders to debate about the development of a national program on the culture of peace and its implications for the social, cultural and economic development of the country. The following themes were discussed: intercultural practices; education and training for young people; role of civil society.

According to Edouard Firmin Matoko, representative of the Director General of UNESCO, education and culture relate to the values of peace, human rights and democracy. “They should help us learn to live together. They should teach the values ​​of tolerance, respect for others and sharing. They should promote the spirit of dialogue, non-violence and openness to others. They should contribute to the fight against stereotypes and prejudices that set the stage for conflict between nations and between citizens of the same nation,” he said.

According to Mbaranga Gasarabwe, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Minusma, peace, reconciliation, mutual understanding and social cohesion are more relevant than ever as we face growing concerns raised by conflicts within and between countries. This is one of the best ways to fight against social unrest and related violence radicalism and violent extremists.

After welcoming the efforts of the friends of Mali, the Minister of National Reconciliation, Zahabi Ould Sidi Mohamed, said that since the signing of the agreement for peace and reconciliation, the situation in Mali has improved. This is thanks to the determination of all the sons of the country for peace and with the support of the United Nations system. “The culture of peace is not only a matter of civil society, but a matter of all of us,” he said. At the close of meeting, some recommendations were made. This includes a study to see if the document coming out of these two days of work can build real peace, strengthen the capacity of actors for peace and strongly involve Civil Society Organisations.

The workshop was organized within the framework of the UNESCO resolution of support to the implementation of the agreement for peace and national reconciliation in Mali adopted at the last General Conference, which was held in Paris in November, 2015.

( Click here for the original French version of this article.)

 

Question related to this article.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Mali : Elaboration d’un programme national sur la culture de la paix au Mali : Les experts à l’œuvre

LIBERTE DE L’INFORMATION

Un article de Ousmane Ballo pour MaliActu

Les 18 et 19 janvier 2016 à l’Hôtel Salam, un atelier de réflexion a regroupé des experts nationaux et internationaux autour d’une même table en vue d’élaborer un programme national sur la culture de la paix dans notre pays.

Mali
Zahabi Ould Sidi Mohamed

Organisé par le ministre de la réconciliation nationale en collaboration avec le Bureau de l’UNESCO à Bamako, cet atelier avait comme objectif de rassembler toutes les parties concernées et engager le débat autour de l’élaboration d’un programme national sur la culture de la paix et ses implications en termes de développement social, culturel et économique du pays. Ainsi pendant deux jours, plusieurs thématiques ont été abordées. Il s’agit de : Pratiques interculturelles ; éducation et la formation des jeunes ; rôle de la société civile.

Selon Firmin Edouard Matoko, représentant de la Directrice Générale de l’UNESCO, l’éducation et la culture concernent les valeurs qui se réfèrent, par exemple, à la paix, aux droits de l’homme et à la démocratie. « Ils doivent permettre d’apprendre à vivre ensemble. Ils doivent enseigner les valeurs de tolérance, de respect de l’autre, de partage. Ils doivent favoriser l’esprit de dialogue, la non-violence et l’ouverture aux autres. Ils doivent contribuer à lutter contre les stéréotypes et les préjugés qui font le lit des conflits entre les nations et entre les citoyens d’une même Nation », a-t-il souligné.

Quant à Mbaranga Gasarabwe, représentante spéciale adjointe du Secrétaire Général de la Minusma, la paix, la réconciliation, l’entente mutuelle, la cohésion sociale sont plus que jamais d’actualité face aux inquiétudes croissantes que soulèvent les conflits dans et entre les pays. C’est l’un des moyens, avance-t-elle, le plus sûr pour lutter durablement, contre les troubles sociaux et les violences liées aux radicalismes et aux extrémistes violents de tous bords.

Après avoir salué les efforts des amis du Mali, le ministre de la réconciliation nationale, Zahabi Ould Sidi Mohamed, a rappelé que depuis la signature de l’accord pour la paix et la réconciliation, le visage du Mali s’améliore. Cela, ajoute-t-il, grâce à la détermination de tous les fils du pays en faveur de la paix et avec l’accompagnement du système des Nations Unies. « La culture de la paix n’est pas seulement une affaire de la société civile, mais une affaire de nous tous », a-t-il souligné. A l’issue des échanges, quelques recommandations ont été formulées. Il s’agit entre autres d’une étude et diagnostic pour savoir si le document assorti au cours de ces deux jours de travaux peut construire une paix réelle ; renforcer la capacité des acteurs pour la paix et enfin impliquer fortement les Organisations de la Société Civile.

Il faut préciser que cet atelier s’inscrit dans le cadre de la résolution de soutien de l’UNESCO à la mise en œuvre de l’accord pour la paix et la réconciliation nationale au Mali adoptée lors de la dernière conférence générale qui s’est tenue à Paris, en novembre 2015.

( Cliquez ici pour une version anglaise de cet article )

 

Question related to this article.

Uncategorized

Cypriot teachers work for peace and reconciliation through educational programmes

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from Famagusta Gazette

The need to have an educational system which promotes peace and reconciliation rather than perpertuating violence ans war is the focus of a programme entitled “Education for a Culture of Peace”.

In a joint interview with the CNA, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot participants to the programme Loizos Loukaides and Süleyman Gelener point out that, at a time when efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem are intensified, the need for change in the educational system in order to cultivate a culture of peace and anti-racism is imperative.

cyprus

Loukaides works as assistant in the programme, is a teacher and a consultant on peace education matters. Gelener is also an elementary school teacher and member of the board of the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR).

A total of 180 teachers have been trained from both communities as part of the programme and a number of workshops on education for peace and democratic structured dialogue have also taken place.

In the first semester of 2016 joint activities for 160 students from both communities are planned to take place.

The two educators express their conviction that the programme can be described as a success.

Loukaides said that the programme is funded by the EU and was created by a group of people who either take part in AHDR or at the Research Institute POST, either in their personal capacity as scientists, researchers or active citizens.

“The programme was created because of the need to have an educational system which will not perpetuate violence and war but instead it will promote peace and reconciliation, not only as regards relations between the two communities but on a more comprehensive framework which includes other themes of what we call `Peace Culture`”, he says.

The idea for such a programme is not something new, Gelener says on his part. In previous years, he adds, “we had to face some problems as regards its implementation and to the way teachers would come in contact with the programme.”

(This article is continued in the column on the right.)

Question for this article:

Can Cyprus be reunited in peace?

(Article continued from left column)

“Later on, when EU grants for Turkish Cypriots were announced we thought this programme could fall within their remit and after jointly applying for the grant, we got it,” he adds.

According to Loukaides a library has been created at the premises of the Research Institute POST which includes approximately 600 books related to education for peace. It ranges from children`s literature to research books and text books with exercises for education and peace.

With the help of the Ministry of Education and Culture and Turkish Cypriot teachers` trade unions the programme has had access to teachers and has organised workshops across the divide in the capital Nicosia, as well as in Paphos and Larnaca, he points out.

The next workshops took shape out of the views expressed in the first series of workshops, he explains. An introductory workshop took place before the summer and this year, two weeks ago, all teachers from both communities of Cyprus came together in a bicommunal workshop.

For the time being seminars with teachers will continue. Another two meetings will take place with teachers from both communities while during the first six months of the year activities with 160 students from across the island will start.

A theatre summer camp under the title “Crossroads” will also take place in cooperation with the theatrical organisation TheatrEtc experienced in hosting such camps for teenagers.

Next year an international conference on education for a culture of peace is planned, in which teachers and experts from abroad will take part.

The programme will conclude with a topic on the work achieved during its three years of operation which will also include ideas for new actions for both Cyprus and abroad, because, as Loukaides says, “we believe our work is innovative not only for Cyprus but also for other countries which suffer from conflict.”

Referring to the programme`s goals Süleyman Gelener highlights the fact that it does not just focus on Cyprus or on the process between the two communities but also on a wide variety of issues such as human rights, animal rights, environmental protection, organic nutrition and generally issues that matter.

“I feel that if we manage to create a society which is aware on these issues and grows up in such a culture, then the Cyprus problem will be resolved more easily,” he says.

EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Europe

USA: We come to the gates of Hancock Drone Base today to install a memorial of Jerry Berrigan.

….. HUMAN RIGHTS …..

An article from warisacrime.org

Jerry Berrigan, who died on July 26, 2015 at the age of 95, was a husband, a father, a brother, a teacher and someone who – like his brothers Dan and Phil – dedicated his entire life to Jesus’ command to love one another. Jerry came to the base on a bi-weekly basis whenever he was able, in Jerry’s words, “to remind the base commander of our government’s pledge under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, a treaty to safeguard non-combatant’s well-being in any warzone in which U.S. forces are engaged in combat.” And further, “to register horror and indignation at reports of bombing missions by drones in Afghanistan and Pakistan which resulted in the deaths of many innocent civilians; men, women and children.”

drone protest

As more and more evidence mounts regarding the illegality of U.S. drone policies, from the “Drone Papers” published by The Intercept, to the four drone pilots who have come forward to speak out about what this policy is doing, we bring Jerry’s image here to the gates to remember that this is where he would be, speaking out and putting his body on the line to say a clear “NO” to killing. Because Jerry Berrigan knew that it matters where we put our bodies.

In 2008 Jerry was asked by The Syracuse Post Standard if there was anything he would change in his life. Jerry replied, “I would have resisted more often and been arrested more often.” In our memorial today we use an image of Jerry from The Syracuse Post Standard where he is being arrested for opposing the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

As we are installing this Jerry Berrigan Memorial Drone Blockade, we also remember Mary Anne Grady Flores who is serving a six month sentence here in the Onondaga County jail because the courts in this county believe that the colonel at this highly armed base needs protection from citizens calling attention to the drone killings. We challenge the courts to apply the law as it was meant to be applied; to protect victims not victimizers.

Syracuse has a great history of men named Jerry and resistance to injustice. We call to mind “The Jerry Rescue” memorial that stands across the street from The Federal Court house where Syracusans in 1851 literally got in the way of the illegal and immoral Fugitive Slave law and the officials who tried take a man named Jerry back to enslavement in the South. They opened the prison gates for him to go to freedom. Our intent for this memorial today in honor of Jerry Berrigan, is to get in the way of the illegal and immoral use of killer drones. And to stand in solidarity with all those resisting other injustice – from Black Lives Matter to those putting their bodies to halt climate change.

Thank you Jerry Berrigan for your life and example. Your Spirit lives on!

In peace,

Beth Adams (Leverett, MA), Bev Rice (Manhattan), Bill Ofenloch (NYC), Brian Hynes (Bronx), Charley Bowman (Buffalo), Ed Kinane (Syracuse, NY), James Ricks (Ithaca), Joan Pleune (Brooklyn), Joan Wages (Roanoke, VA), Pete Perry (Syracuse, NY), Ray McGovern (Arlington, VA), Steve Baggarly (VA)

(Thank you to David Swanson for sending this to CPNN)

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