IMPACT STORY – Page 4 – Teach Peace Build Peace Movement

When Art Meets Peace

What happens when art and peace intersect at one point? They form a more beautiful way to look at the world.

For Mojib Ampuan Launte, a student from Sultan Alauya Elementary School and a participant at the recently held Artists for Peace Mentoring Workshop, a visual arts session inspired him more to become a peace hero.

With neglected buildings as a common sight back in his hometown at Buadi Oloc, Ditsaan-Ramain, Lanao Del Sur, he hopes to restore them back to beauty by painting a big “I Am a Peace Hero” sign.

When asked what peace is for him, he shared, “It’s a way for people to see goodness.” And for a creative person like him, “Art is a good way to do it.”

Through the different creative sessions during the program, Mojib realized that peace is not the absence of war. Rather, it’s a way of life, and he sees it as a more beautiful concept now that he has learned more about it.

As he and his fellow participants embarked on their journey back home, he promised to help and respect others, knowing that by doing so, he’s contributing to making this world a more peaceful place to live in. “I will be respectful and kind,” he committed.

The Artists for Peace Mentoring Workshop dubbed as Peace Begins with Us: Our Peace, Our Pledge to Create a Peaceful Community is a mentoring workshop to show children and young people how art can be used in advocating for peace. This was developed by Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) for Pathways for Integrated and Inclusive Conflict-Sensitive Protection and Education for Children in Mindanao (iCOPE) Program, co-organized with Save the Children in partnership with Plan International and other members of the consortium.

ABOUT ARTISTS FOR PEACE MENTORING WORKSHOP

The workshop was attended by a very diverse group, coming from different faiths and ages with various talents coming together to collaborate on how art can be a medium in advocating for peace. The mentees will be taught on how they can use art in creating awareness about how having peace with oneself can contribute to peace with others and how our peaceful thoughts and actions can create a ripple effect to having peaceful communities. The mentees shall undergo sessions that will also make them reflect on what sparks peace and joy to them, and what they can do to help create a peaceful community. Other group activities also promote social skills with an emphasis on the importance of peaceful co-existence and how everyone can be ‘peace heroes’ in their own ways.

ABOUT PATHWAYS FOR ICOPE PROGRAM:

Save the Children, in partnership with Plan International, is implementing a program called Pathways for Integrated and Inclusive Conflict-Sensitive Protection and Education for Children in Mindanao (iCOPE). This program aims to achieve a sustainable positive engagement, collaboration, and convergence of key actors and stakeholders in providing and supporting conflict-sensitive quality basic education services and protection.

As part of ICOPE Program, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement’s (TPBPM) Peace Heroes Formation Program (PHFP), formerly called Schools and Communities of Peace Heroes Formation Program will be introduced for the purpose of helping schools institutionalize Peace Education to nurture a Culture of Peace and Resiliency amongst children with the whole school community being involved.

April 12, 2019 / by JANESSA TEKING

Learning to Speak the Language of Peace

“Back then, I would lie about cleaning in school. I would tell my teachers and classmates that I was done cleaning already even if I wasn’t. Now I can promise that I will apply everything I learned here and correct all my mistakes from the past,” shared Shahanie Usman, a student from Matampay Elementary School, one of the 36 participants at the Artists for Peace Mentoring Workshop. “The Artists for Peace Mentoring Workshop dubbed as Peace Begins with Us: Our Peace, Our Pledge to Create a Peaceful Community provides a creative venue and dialogue where children and youth shall experience a platform of exchange, sharing of stories and a reflection and expression of their desire for peace, in the midst of issues they have been facing in their lives,” as shared by the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) Founder, Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman. “This is a mentoring workshop to show children and young people how art can be used in advocating for peace,” she added.

Such is the impact of peace education to her: a young child from Marawi City vowing to become a better person in her own little ways. As a participant of the program, Shahanie felt that she could contribute in creating a more peaceful Mindanao by starting in her community and at her school. Citing rido and men’s disrespect for women as issues she commonly observes back home, Shahanie underlined the importance of knowing how to communicate in a peaceful way.

Her most important learning? “Respect other people.” Because for her, peace can be attained by not contributing to conflict. “Avoid it or help find ways to resolve it,” she said.

Shahanie also shared that through the program, she and her fellow participants have learned to become charismatic servant leaders. She felt the need to spread what she learned starting with communicating using the language of peace.

“When someone asks me if he can borrow my phone, I will not tell him I don’t have one. Instead, I will say, ‘I will help you find one’.” This is just one of her practical examples of how she will communicate with a peaceful intention.

Although she felt sad that the program has finally come to a close, she was grateful to have the opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about peace. “Peace education is very important for me because I learned a lot from here, which I will bring with me even when I’m done with school,” she promised.

The Artists for Peace Mentoring Workshop was created by Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) for the Pathways for iCOPE Program. This was co-organized with Save the Children in partnership with Plan International and other members of the Pathways for iCOPE Program consortium to achieve a sustainable positive engagement, collaboration and convergence of key actors and stakeholders in providing and supporting conflict-sensitive quality basic education services and protection.

ABOUT PATHWAYS FOR ICOPE PROGRAM

April 12, 2019 / by JANESSA TEKING

My Peace, Our Peace: Inculcating a Culture of Peace inside the classroom

“I make sure that I share and impart to them [my learners and family] everything I learned in TPBPM.”

It is always a challenge for a teacher to get the attention of the children and sometimes, in order to do so, one employs not so peaceful means of disciplinary action. “Before I became part of TPBPM I am used to say words that might hurt my learners’ feelings. This is one way for me to release my anger and cope up with the stress directed at them.”

It was until she joined the Teachers Leaders for Peace Formation in Boso-Boso, Antipolo in December 2016 that she realized how one’s words and actions have a great impact on the upbringing of a child.

“When I became part of TPBPM and later on, became an I TEACH PEACE Champion, I realized how important to be aware of one’s emotions, how to have some self-control, and why we need to resort to peaceful means of resolving concerns and issues especially when dealing with our learners,” shared Marie.

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As an I TEACH PEACE Champion, Marie knows now that children learn best in a peaceful environment where everyone communicates with respect, understanding, and the willingness to listen.

“I am more self-aware now. Every time I get mad or angry, I remind myself that I am a Peace Hero. Then I will try my best to talk to my learners in a calm manner. I also do not say and even do things that can cause fear among my students and also it isn’t a good way to encourage them to listen to me.”

Peace educators are not supposed to be perfect but they are, at least, expected to be role models to their students and catalysts of change inside the classroom.

It is one way of constantly reminding oneself to choose to do good. “I usually remind myself that I am a Peace Hero not just in words but also in actions,”

October 30, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

MONA DOMATO: From a peaceful heart to a peaceful school

The Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) regards peace as a transformational experience. Every individual who lives in peace radiates the same mindset to others. This holds true for one of the I TEACH PEACE Champions from Sugod Central Elementary School, Mona Domato.

For Teacher Mona, developing her inner peace has helped her get to know herself more – as a person and as an educator. She shares, “I got to know myself deeper… It’s so hard when our minds are occupied.”

Teacher Mona believes that the best way to impart knowledge to her learners is to have a nurturing heart. She recalled that before she became part of TPBPM, nurturing relationships with her learners was not her priority. But with her involvement with TPBPM through her Peace Education Journey, she shared that she started to understand and connect with her learners more. “I became more understanding towards the learners, and started to build a relationship with them for them to love learning.” She showed them enthusiasm for learning and they, in turn, gave the same.

Together with the other I TEACH PEACE Champions of Sugod Central Elementary School, Teacher Mona spearheaded the Bully-free Classroom Campaign to shine the spotlight on bullying, one of the issues affecting their students.

Teacher Mona shares, “Peace education is very important because if not for it, there will be no wisdom. What is the importance of education if people are not peaceful with themselves and with others? Peace education helps with educating children and raising pressing issues for the teachers.”

Building a stronger school community and a more peaceful environment for children means fostering a transformational journey for teachers too. For someone like Teacher Mona, it is not enough to just tell children what peace is – but also, show them how peace can be a way of life.

October 19, 2018 / by MICAH EMILLE VERZOLA

RAISA MAE MALANG: Humanizing Peace Concepts

“I now have a clear vision of what it [peace] is, of how I can apply it not just in my classroom but also in myself…”

“Before becoming an I TEACH PEACE Champion, I already had an idea of what peace is about but it is only after attending the Teacher Leaders for Peace Formation Session in Davao that I had a clearer vision of what it is, of how I can apply it not just in my classroom but also, in myself,” shared by Raisa Mae.

As a Peace Educator, it is very important to walk the talk. You do not just impose something to your learners. You are also responsible for your own words and actions. This served as a challenge for our I TEACH PEACE Champion Raisa Mae. She often asks herself, “How can I make peace my way of life?”

Raisa Mae can still recall when she used to shout at her students whenever she gets mad. Somehow the way she reacts over certain situations has changed. “If I’m mad, I just sit on the table and when my learners see me do it, they are already aware that I am mad. Then, they keep quiet.” Raisa Mae shared that she is also using Peace Talk, one of TPBPM’s Peace Jargons, which aims to get the attention of learners as it highlights the value of listening. “I made a peace talk but instead of using a ball, I drew a peace sign in an illustration board.”

In her journey as a Peace Educator, Raisa Mae realized how important words are, as it can make or break a person. She added, “Before you say anything, you need to think about it first especially if you are dealing with children.”

As we continue to integrate peace education in our school-community, one must always remember that peace is a way of life and not just simply the absence of war. More than having a knowledge of what peace is all about, it is also equally important that we live accordingly to what we teach.

“I now have a clear vision of what it [peace] is, of how I can apply it not just in my classroom but also in myself…”.png

October 9, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

PEACE HERO KIDS: ( CRISTINA ) For the Love of Peace and Nature

“Ano ang kapayapaan para sa’yo?” (What is peace for you?)
“Masaya.” (Happy.)

This is how our birthday celebrant, Cristina, viewed peace before she started participating in Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM). She just turned 15 years old last 21 April, our first day of Peace Mission in Porac, Pampanga. Cristina has been with TPBPM for almost three years when she became one of our Peace Heroes Child Ambassadors and I must say, she still has that unique view of what peace is.

I was expecting her to answer that peace is about non-violence and reconciliation, but Cristina surprised me with her notion of peace. For her, peace is related to happiness.

More than that, Cristina also knows that peace is related to our environment. Cristina hopes that the people in her community, Sapang Uwak, will unite and keep the environment clean. When asked for her message to her fellow youth who are interested in peace, she reiterated the importance of keeping the environment clean. She shared, “Sana, gusto kong kami yung maglilinis, kahit hindi mga barangay. Gusto kong kasama ko mga kabarkada ko, kami maglilinis sa aming barangay.” (I wish that we would be the one cleaning, and not just the people from the barangay. I want to be with my friends when we clean our barangay.)

Having studied peace during college, Cristina reminded me of the different perspectives about peace, and how it comes in various forms. Peace can be found not only in people but also in nature.

A good example are the Aetas in Porac, Pampanga who were affected by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Now, Sapang Uwak hosts PEACE KAMP (Pinatubo Eco Adventure & Cultural Enclave, Katutubong Anak ng Mt. Pinatubo), which welcomes people to experience outdoor survival packages, guided by the Aetas themselves. It hopes to empower the locals by sharing their skills and talents while keeping the environment free of conflict.

As mentioned by Conca, Carius and Dabelko (n.d.), “As a peacemaking tool, the environment offers some useful – perhaps even unique – qualities that lend themselves to building peace and transforming conflict: environmental challenges ignore political boundaries, require a long-term perspective, encourage local and nongovernmental participation, and extend community building beyond polarizing economic linkages.”

Even United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who acknowledges the indispensable relationship of environment and insecurity, has called for integrating relevant environmental factors in U.N.’s conflict prevention strategy. Cristina might only have a slight idea about the impact of thes environment in peacebuilding but soon, she will realize that her small gestures of taking care of the environment plays a big role in her peace journey.

Our little ball of sunshine continues participating in TPBPM with the hope of discovering and learning more about the organization.

“Ano ‘yong birthday wish mo?” (What’s your birthday wish?)

“Wish ko sana pong tuloy-tuloy ang aking pagsasayaw, at gusto ko pong palagi kayong (TPBPM) pumupunta dito. Gusto kong makasama ko kayong lahat. Gusto kong walang nag-aaway at walang gulo po. ” (My wish is to continue dancing, and I want you (TPBPM) to keep going here. I want to be with all of you. I hope there will be no fighting and disorder.)

May 3, 2018 / by Ange Samson

Teacher Raihani: A Teacher for Peace

It is very important that we capacitate our teachers in integrating peace into their lesson plans. Our children need a peaceful environment in schools and we must act even in our own little ways to make it happen. Teachers are the bridges of peace in their own communities, in our country, and in the world and it is very vital that we support and encourage them in teaching peace in their own classrooms.

Watch the story of Teacher Raihani Salido of Tatak Elementary School ( Mamasapano) on her peace journey with the Teacher Leaders for Peace Formation Program last December.

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Help us create a nation of peace builders:

DONATE AND SUPPORT OUR PEACE PROGRAMS:
https://teachpeacebuildpeace.com/…/don…/

VOLUNTEER AND BE PART OF OUR FAMILY:
http://bit.ly/tpbpmvolreg

Contact the TPBPM Secretariat at +639158480230 or email secretariat@teachpeacebuildpeace.com for more ways on how you can help.

Video: Rhadem Camlian Morados

March 10, 2018 / by MICAH EMILLE VERZOLA

Building a Peaceful Home: A Parents for Peace Reflection

Before I became a Parent Ambassador last 2016 I already knew TPBPM because my eldest daughter is actively engaged with the organization’s programs but when I was selected to be part of the Parent’s Formation Session and SCPHFP as a whole, all I thought was for it to be a simple parenting seminar. When I first attended, I just told myself that it is for compliance; but never expected that it will have a significant impact in my life – personally and in keeping my family’s good relationship.

The way I discipline my children and to be a good parent are some of the things that I learned in my SCPHFP Journey. In our house, especially my husband, he practices ‘face the wall’ but during my sessions in SCPHFP, I learned that it is much better to apply the ‘face-to-face’. As a parent and as a human being per se, I am not perfect, and sometimes I can’t avoid giving punishments towards my kids; but I also learned that as much as possible, we need to discipline our child most peacefully and positively.

Based on this context, I learned how to value communication and having a dialogue with my kids. More than giving and sharing about peace to us parents and to our children, you also give happiness. Whenever we talk in our house about TPBPM, all we can remember are good memories, which creates pure and genuine smiles that fill our place. With all the good and happy memories that we have, TPBPM is there. Whenever we have school activities, the organization is always mentioned if you are going to be with us and/or join us. Both Maharlika and TPBPM developed a sense of belongingness, that we are all part of one big family; that no matter who you are – rich or poor, Christian or Muslim, black or white, TPBPM will welcome, embrace and accept you. For my kids, whenever you are here, conducting an activity, my children always go home with a big smile. They share with us what they have learned and what your activity was all about.

“As a parent, I am happy because there is a support system, which helps build my child’s inner peace that I never thought of before. I remember Dr. Usman’s words, that when a child has inner peace which they gained at home, no matter where that child is, s/he will bring it anywhere and will reflect in the way they behave and act.”

For me, while they are young, we need to invest and create that ‘inner peace’ within them. I realized that more than just attending the said sessions and workshops, I came into building better relationships. We in the family are now closer, and my kids are far more open to us. I also always share with other parents that I am a member of TPBPM, and that I am proud to be a Peace Hero and Parent Ambassador.

March 10, 2018 / by MICAH EMILLE VERZOLA

My Piece of Peace: Asnaira Bandang

Asnaira Solaiman | Peace Hero Child Ambassador | Maharlika Elementary School

When I was called and selected to be part of the Peace Heroes Child Ambassadors, I was happy, and I thought that it was just an ordinary seminar where we are only going to listen to someone. But as I entered the room, I felt the excitement and particular kind of happiness because there are a lot of new people – who even mingled and interacted, played and had fun with us. That was the time that I knew that I will have a new ‘ate’ and ‘kuya’, who are the TPBPM’s Volunteers. Up to now, they still inspire and motivate us not just to study well and reach for our dreams, but also make us appreciate the beauty of doing good and its impact for a peaceful world. One of my most unforgettable experiences with TPBPM was when we were asked to close our eyes, and Ate Honey was saying something.

All I felt was peace. Ate Honey made us feel the importance of having peace at that very moment. From the day I became a Peace Hero, TPBPM changed the way I live. I met a lot of new people, friends and even improved my relationship with the school community, like my teachers and other schoolmates. But the most significant change that I had was, I already avoid having conflicts with anyone, and getting mad immediately because I realized that no matter what happens, I need to be patient and I need to accept everyone’s differences. I learned during our sessions that no matter what religion a person belongs to, we need to make friends and accept them.

To other kids, who are also involved in TPBPM’s SCPHFP, I hope that you do not fight with each other. I know you can achieve that if you know how to respect everyone – their identity, religion, beliefs, and faith. Let us always remember that no matter how small or big we think we are, it is essential that we get to help other people in the best way that we can; for peace is about sharing whatever we have to others. Let us always remember all the lessons we gained from being a peace hero child ambassador for all of these can help us build a peaceful community.

March 10, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

I TEACH PEACE CHAMPION ( DATU-AR DMALEN): Impact Inspiring Action

Considering that the school is the second home for children, the teachers play a critical role in a child’s life. People call teachers the children’s second parents because of the influence teachers have in children. It also signifies the gravity of their role in shaping how a child perceives life and approaches learning. Teach Peace Build Peace Movement recognizes the critical role of teachers in building a Culture of Peace in schools and communities. Part of the holistic approach to Peace Education is equipping teachers to be part of spreading the message of peace by becoming I TEACH PEACE Champions. In the one-year journey of the Schools and Communities of Peace Heroes Formation Program, the teachers have grown personally as well as improved their teaching strategies.

Mr. Datu-Ar Dimalen, a grade school teacher from Tatak Elementary School in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, shares about his transformation saying:

“I can say that I was a terror teacher, I was friendly outside the classroom but inside the classroom, I hear my students saying that I am a terror teacher, the classroom should always be silent.”

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Sir Datu-Ar during the Peace Education Pocket Session held last January 27, 2017, in Cotabato City. The teacher has a series of Pocket Sessions after the Main Pocket Session last December 2016.

From that kind of attitude, after being part of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, Datu-Ar shares that “Because of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, I experienced change in myself when it comes to motivating children. Before I am a terror teacher, but now I am more approachable and affectionate towards my students”

Furthermore, through SCPHFP, he had a change in perception of a child’s capability, “I realized that the children should not be labeled – that we should look at the capability of each child, because we all have different capabilities, we learn in different ways. In that way the child won’t feel forced and won’t feel lazy to go to school.” In line with the changes in perspective and behavior, Datu-Ar also shares the teachers’ eagerness to integrate Peace Education in their subjects. “As much as we can we integrate peace in the subjects that we teach. Actually, in every subject, we try to integrate peace.”

One of the growth he has observed in his school worth celebrating is the growth of the population of Tatak Elementary School. Before Tatak ES only has 200 students but the enrollment increased which he think because of the involvement of the organization in their school.

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The Tatak ES community; parents, teachers, children, community leaders and TPBPM family during the Peace Fair held last August 2017.

The Schools and Communities of Peace Heroes Formation Program brought about different kinds of changes and learnings for the teachers, Datu-Ar’s story proves that the impact of Peace Education means affecting people for personal transformation, altering their way of teaching, and also affecting the improvement of the school as a whole. The journey does not end on impact but instead continues to inspire action, Datu-Ar shares his commitment as a peace advocate saying “Commitment in teaching peace and peace being integrated into the lesson plan is a big challenge. It is a challenge to maintain that commitment, our commitment to you as peace advocates.”

March 10, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

Category: IMPACT STORY