On this International Day of Education, we delve into a critical but often overlooked aspect of schooling: the intersection of education, WASH, and long-term investment in values and skills that will empower students to become catalysts for peace. The foundation of a prosperous and peaceful society is laid in the classrooms where young minds are shaped. Education for peacebuilding is essential in this process.
In many regions where access to clean water and sanitation is a challenge, the impact on education is profound, especially for young girls. The lack of WASH facilities can lead to poor health, absenteeism, and higher dropout rates, severely hampering the learning process and future opportunities for students. Moreover, schools that prioritize WASH are not only promoting health but are also fostering an environment of care and respect, key components in the peacebuilding process. Education for peacebuilding recognises the importance of these factors.
As we observe the International Day of Education, it’s essential to recognize that education is more than just academic learning. It is about creating a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and interact safely and healthily. Education for peacebuilding encompasses this holistic approach.
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International Day of Education is celebrated today, January 24, 2024, and it highlights a vital theme: “Learning for Lasting Peace.” It is estimated that 250 million children and teenagers are missing vital school time due to a plethora of challenges, the most common being increased conflict and displacement. Furthermore, those challenges are now exacerbated by the rise of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech. UNESCO calls for an active commitment to sustainable peace, built on inclusive governance, dialogue, solidarity, and human rights. Education for peacebuilding is crucial to achieving these goals.
Education is at the heart of this commitment, as is WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). The beneficial effects of WASH within communities are closely linked with educational efforts essential for advocating a peaceful and sustainable future. Supporting access to safe, hygienic WASH facilities in fragile communities is an important step on the road to achieving education for all girls. Education for peacebuilding must include access to these essential resources.
The Importance of WASH in Education
Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene is fundamental for a healthy learning environment. The availability of clean water is not just a matter of health but also of dignity and equality. This is a core element of education for peacebuilding.
- Safe drinking water is essential to prevent diseases caused by waterborne pathogens. In many parts of the world, contaminated water is a common source of illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.Safe drinking water in schools prevents students and staff from exposure to harmful pathogens.
- Regular handwashing can significantly reduce the transmission of pathogens that can be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces or direct contact with sick individuals. In schools, where students are in close contact and share resources, the availability of handwashing facilities is critical for maintaining hygiene and preventing disease spread.
Providing WASH facilities in schools plays an educational role. It teaches students the importance of good hygiene practices. Children who learn to wash their hands properly at a young age are more likely to continue this habit into adulthood, leading to long-term public health benefits. This reinforces the principles of education for peacebuilding.
Impact on Young Women’s Education
In many parts of the world, the lack of proper WASH facilities disproportionately affects young women. The absence of gender-segregated toilets and menstrual hygiene management resources can be a significant barrier to education for girls. Several WASH initiatives and programs have successfully addressed sanitation in schools, positively impacting girls’ education. Education for peacebuilding recognizes the unique challenges faced by girls.
UNICEF’s WASH Program in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States: This program has been crucial in improving girls’ access to education, especially in fragile and conflict-affected states. Nearly one-third of schools worldwide lacked basic WASH services in 2016. Introducing these facilities improves girls’ attendance by supporting menstrual hygiene management (MHM). This program also emphasizes the importance of gender-sensitive WASH facilities in humanitarian-development education programs in conflict areas.
Save the Children’s Project in Tanzania: Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Save the Children implemented a project in Tanzania focusing on menstrual hygiene management. The project constructed latrines, provided disposable sanitary pads, and built handwashing stations in 28 primary schools. This initiative provided reusable sanitary pads to adolescent girls, improving their comfort and school attendance during menstruation. Follow the link below to read the heartwarming story of a young girl’s resilience to stay in school and realize her dream of becoming a science teacher.
Teachers as Agents of Peace
Teachers can play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young people. Effectively integrating peace education into educational settings significantly contributes to creating a more tolerant, inclusive, and peaceful society. Education for peacebuilding relies heavily on the role of teachers.
Some of the areas that students can learn about the implications of bullying and hate speech are:
Conflict Resolution Skills help teenagers learn to identify and express their feelings, listen to others, and find common ground. They are taught to resolve disputes peacefully and respectfully, understanding that aggression and bullying are not effective ways to handle disagreements. This is a critical aspect of education for peacebuilding.
Empathy and Understanding encourages students to step into the shoes of others, especially those from different backgrounds. This understanding can reduce the tendency to engage in hate speech, as students become more aware of the impact their words and actions have on others. Education for peacebuilding fosters empathy.
Awareness of Diversity and inclusivity lessons provide a broader understanding of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and ability. By celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity, schools can create a tolerant and inclusive environment free from hate speech and bullying.
Understanding the Impact of Bullying and Hate Speech helps teenagers grasp the seriousness of their actions. They learn about psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, fostering a more compassionate school culture. Promoting social responsibility involves discussing individual responsibility and each person’s role in creating a safe, respectful community.
Creating a Safe Space for students to discuss sensitive topics, share experiences, and express their feelings is essential. Open dialogue enables schools to address issues of bullying and hate speech effectively, creating a more understanding and supportive environment. Education for peacebuilding creates these safe spaces.
There are organizations like the Peace Education Network’s Curriculum, with individuals committed to promoting peace education in schools and communities. This network offers a range of resources and lesson plans that tackle issues such as conflict resolution, social justice, and anti-discrimination. If you would like to find out more about this initiative, click here: https://www.peace-education.org.uk/teach-peace
This blog highlights the link between WASH, education, and peace, and the need for holistic approaches to improve children’s education access. By focusing on these interconnections, we can pave the way for a more peaceful and equitable world. Education for peacebuilding, along with access to WASH, is essential for this vision.
