Schools offer studies on peace

Peace Education has been introduced as a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools from next term.

The Ministry of Basic Education says the subject is a response to post-election violence witnessed early this year.

Learners will go through a set of peace manuals prepared by the United Nations Children’s Fund and curriculum developers at the Kenya Institute of Education.

Education minister

It will not be examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council, although some questions will be based on peace in existing examinable subjects.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the subject at KIE, Basic Education minister Sam Ongeri said 1,750 field officers would be dispatched to districts to train teachers on how to handle the subject.

Developed content material and other books on peace were on Tuesday distributed through the provincial and district directors of education.

“This subject has been as a result of the crisis that befell the country early this year after the 2007 elections,” said Prof Ongeri.

Some schools were burnt and others vandalised in post-election chaos.

Teachers, education officers and students were displaced and there was a general disruption of teaching and learning in most parts of the country.

A wave of unrest last term left property of considerable value in at least 300 schools destroyed. Permanent secretary Karega Mutahi said students would be trained on conflict resolution.

“Through peace education, the entire society will develop a culture of living harmoniously and appreciating others regardless of their differences,” Prof Mutahi said.

It addresses conflict, perception and bias, negotiation and reconciliation, healing and problem solving. Although not examinable, content delivery is interactive through group work and role play.