Peace is the lack of conflict and the absence of violence between heterogeneous social groups. Justice refers to two things: the notion of giving to everybody what they have the right to; and the organization of human beings to ensure that: judges, lawyers, ministries of justice and tribunals.
Corruption, bribery, theft and tax evasion cost some US$1.26 trillion to developing countries each year; this amount of money could be used to lift those who live in poverty out of it for at least 6 years. The rate of children leaving primary school in conflict-affected countries reached 50% in 2011, which amounts to 28.5 million children, showing the impact of unstable societies on education.
Why Education is crucial to achieving SDG-16
An educated society ensures that its citizens are consulted and that its government takes decisions with the interest of children and adults at heart. For example, children and young people must be consulted before a legal law affecting their lives is signed. The likelihood of public free access to information being ensured and of fundamental freedoms being protected is higher in educated societies. (Access to Learning objectives for SDG-16)
Children at this stage begin to understand the world and the similarities and differences both between others and among families, cultures, communities and traditions. Making use of their imagination and curiosity, they learn to develop appreciation for multiculturalism as well as for the existing wonders in the world. (Access Educational materials here)
At this level, being exposed to the vast diversity of religious and ethnic identities, learners understand the need for mutual respect and understanding at the global level. They learn to weigh up the value of wisdom from different sources, to express insights in response, and to agree or disagree respectfully as a means to participate responsibly in society. (Access Educational materials here)
Through citizenship and peace education, students develop an aptitude for dialogue to participate positively in a society and show tolerance towards diverse religions and worldviews. They learn to take personal responsibility for their emotions, accepting and validating the emotions and perceptions of others. (Access Educational materials here)
Pedagogical Resources
- The Right Start - This resource is best used as part of a comprehensive human rights programme that aims to promote a whole school approach to human rights education.
- Teach Peace Pack – Updated Edition - Assemblies and activities for exploring peace themes with 5 to 12 year olds.
Ideas for Classroom Activities
- We Work Together – Can You? - A resource for those who are working with children and young people, and who are trying to contribute towards peace and understanding, both locally and globally.
- Imagine By John Lennon - This book offers ways for teachers to start discussions about peace, kindness, war and suffering, and the importance of having the courage to make the world a better place.
Multimedia Educational Resources
- Come Celebrate SDG 16 Peace & Justice With Patsy Peace & Eco Boys And Girls - Poster
- We Work Together – Can You? - Poster on working for peace and development.
Get Inspired
- Earth Kids Space Programme Goi Peace Foundation, Japan - Page 13 - Under the theme of “cultivating children’s spontaneity and creativity” and “promoting Education for Sustainable Development,” Earth Kids Space Programme provides unique learning experiences for children in afterschool and weekend settings. Earth Kids Space Programme has successfully offered opportunities for children to learn to “think globally and act locally” through live experiences and various types of learning materials with a multi-disciplinary approach. It is open to every child regardless of age, nationality background and any disabilities. The whole programme is designed as an ESD initiative for capacity-building of children of all age groups to cultivate the four objectives of independence, harmony, global understanding, and love and peace.
Pedagogical Resources
- FREE? - Stories Celebrating Human Rights - This resource contains short stories by outstanding writers especially for children aged 10 to 15. Each story is inspired by a different human right, such as education, freedom of speech, faith, asylum and law.
- In The Sea There Are Crocodiles - Set in the 1990s, this is the true story of an Afghani boy called Enaiatollah Akbari and his often perilous five-year journey from Afghanistan to Italy.
- The Kites Are Flying - This uplifting story highlights the conflict on the West Bank. It includes themes of love, loss, hope and the desire for peace.
Ideas for Classroom Activities
- The Power Of Peace - This resource aims to:
- Explore some definitions of peace;
- Investigate and recognize characteristics, actions and symbols of peaceful activists;
- Determine ways to incorporate peace into the classroom and the world.
- Learning About Human Rights In The Primary School - This resource pack will help to foster attitudes of respect and an appreciation of the uniqueness of each individual. Pupils will also develop skills to enable them to take action to defend human rights.
- My Little Book Of Big Freedoms - Reading book including questions for discussion, drawing and writing activities.
Multimedia Educational Resources
- Trap Houses - These Charles Rice 5th grade students carried out a project trying to get rid of trap houses in their community.
- A To-Do List For The Planet – Goal 16 (Peace And Justice) - This comic poster presents the meaning of peace and justice.
Get Inspired
- Al Azhar Students’ Peer Tutoring: Promoting Hygienic Life and Children Healthcare among School-kids - Page 28 - The project aims to enable participants to become caring and responsible citizens working for a peaceful and sustainable future. The school has conducted health and HIV/AIDS awareness programmes for underprivileged communities and schools, and also operated two literacy centers for street children and vocational centres.
Pedagogical Resources
- Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions: Why They Matter - Technical Note presenting SDG 16 and how to address it, asking, how does this goal apply to me, wherever I live, what is the cost of not taking action now would be and what can I do?
- Teaching And Learning For A Sustainable Future - This UNESCO programme for the UN Decade of ESD provides professional development for teachers, curriculum developers, education policy-makers, and education authors.
Ideas for Classroom Activities
- 2 Lessons About UNESCO - This resource teaches about UNESCO and other writings on Human Rights.
- Understanding Community Violence - This resource aims to:
- Understand what violence is and how it exists in different forms;
- Explore the different reasons for violence around the world;
- Make connections between local and global experiences of violence.
Multimedia Educational Resources
- Italy: Breaking The Slave Trade - Human trafficking generates billions of dollars while destroying millions of lives. It trades in human beings – many of whom end up as sex slaves. One woman is dedicated to stopping it.
- Thailand: Losing Ground - For many of the world's indigenous people, loss of their traditional lands threatens their survival and cultures. In Thailand, indigenous women are fighting for justice and a future. Here's their story.
Get Inspired
- Egypt-Learning and Earning in Cairo’s Garbage City - Page 41- The Spirit of Youth Association (SOY) is an Egyptian non-governmental organization located in Manshiyet Nasser, one of the largest Zabaleen community districts in Cairo. Set up by members of the community, the NGO aims to empower young community members through educational projects. SOY’s core project is the Recycling School for Boys, which aims to enhance the diffusion of practical knowledge both to improve qualifications levels and to empower the community in the recycling business. The school’s broader goal is to reduce poverty and marginalization, and improve health standards within the Zabeleen community. These objectives are met through literacy programmes, which are mainly delivered in the specific work-oriented practical context familiar to the learners. Boys learn about their rights as well as their duties towards people and their environment.
