UNRCPD’s Peace and Disarmament Education Programme
UNRCPD is committed to assisting Asia-Pacific states requesting support in delivering Peace and Disarmament education. Currently, UNRCPD is working with Nepal to implement a new model of delivering Peace and Disarmament education to meet post-conflict challenges – a model UNRCPD aims to bring to other countries in Asia and the Pacific.
Peace and Disarmament Education in Nepal (2013-2016)
UNRCPD is supporting the Government of Nepal in its efforts to deliver peace education under the national curriculum. By operating within existing structures to infuse high quality technical expertise into teaching materials and pedagogy, UNRCPD aims to promote non-violent values and behaviour (e.g. tolerance and celebrating diversity). Phase 1 of the project targets grade 8. With additional resources, Phase II will extend to grades 9 and 10. Targeting these age groups gives students skills to transform conflicts using non-violent approaches during a key developmental period in their lives. By addressing the roots of interpersonal violence and reducing the demand for arms, the project helps strengthen the fragile peace that Nepal has worked tirelessly to achieve.
Annual Art for Peace Competition
Drawing is a creative outlet for children to express their views on what peace means to them, their families and their communities. Launched in 2012, UNRCPD’s annual Art for Peace competition has reached over 1,000 students, helping them reflect on the importance of peace and how it might be achieved in their lives.
Volunteers for Peace Education
In 2011, UNRCPD piloted a model for the promotion of non-violent conflict resolution with young people. The project developed training modules on peace education, implemented training of trainers for youth volunteers and facilitated workshops at public schools in pilot districts. These activities established a network of youth empowered to act as mediators and ambassadors for peace in their colleges and communities.
How you can help
UNRCPD’s project on Delivering Peace and Disarmament Education in Nepal has received funding for Phase I, through which an estimated 300,000 Grade 8 children will be reached. Phase II would reach an additional half million children per year in grades 9 and 10. There is an immediate need to finance Phase II to sustain the project’s momentum and ensure more children receive these vital tools.
Taking the Model to Other Post-Conflict Countries in Asia and the Pacific
Using the Nepal model, UNRCPD is seeking to bring Peace and Disarmament Education to other post-conflict countries in Asia-Pacific. This low cost, high impact model is a sustainable way to give governments the technical expertise they need to deliver conflict resolution and peace education. As a Regional Centre, UNRCPD is committed to adapting its approach to meet the specific needs of requesting states. For further details, please contact info@unrcpd.org.
Peace and Disarmament Education in the UN System
In line with UNRCPD’s mandate and General Assembly resolutions recommending implementation of disarmament and non-proliferation education (e.g. A/67/47. A/67/138), UNRCPD’s Peace and Disarmament Education activities seek to shape the values, skills and behavior of students towards non-violent responses to conflict at the individual, national and global levels. To see the range of materials available in the UNODA collection, please visit UNODA’s Disarmament Education Resources for Learning and UNODA Education – Reports of the Secretary General.