SCPHFP – Page 2 – Teach Peace Build Peace Movement

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

Power through Peace: A Peace Mission Reflection

Power lies in being at peace with yourself. When everything else around you is falling apart, your inner peace is what will hold you together.

It was when I had found my own inner peace that I decided to chase a 9 – year dream. After graduating college in 2009, I had asked my mom if I could volunteer in Mindanao and help in conflict resolution in the region. Given the danger, I was not surprised when she answered NO. Life happened since and we have relocated to New York where I am currently based. As I have gone through my own spiritual journey and losing my grandma early this year, finding peace has enabled me to not only survive but lead powerfully in life. To maintain my peace, I have committed to making sure I fulfill any desires or start working towards any dreams I have or have had and stop delaying them. I was living in the motto of “tomorrow might not come”. Volunteering in Mindanao was a no – brainer and I was determined to make this happen.

I researched and reached out to more or less 10 nonprofit organizations doing work in Mindanao. I didn’t anticipate how challenging the communication would be – patience was not my virtue then, but I definitely held on to it dearly in those days. Two organizations responded and only one had a definite program that matched my time off. Serendipitously, it was Teach Peace Build Peace Movement.

I set up a skype call with their Program Director, Bernadette Fernandez and Micah Verzola. They gave me a rundown of their organization and expounded on the Peace Mission program from April – May. Teaching Peace Education to kids and youth in conflict and non- conflict areas and building a Culture of Peace? It couldn’t be more perfect!

Given the 12 – hour difference, the challenge in schedules and how busy all our schedules were – the secretariat team still made sure that I had everything I needed to make this trip happen.

A journey with the youth of Mindanao:

I arrived in Maguindanao on May 4th. I haven’t been home in so long. I have missed the air breeze, the brazing sun touching my skin, and seeing our people. My first time but a first of many, I would say!

I came in the middle of Peace Heroes Camp: Youth Formation Session’s Day 1. I was welcomed with a smile and so much excitement despite my “I only had two hours of sleep and I’m hangry” face. It also gave me a sense of ease because of how friendly and welcoming everyone was.

This session is meant to introduce the curriculum and train peace facilitators. The participants are community and youth leaders stemming from education, NGO, and governmental sectors. Their backgrounds vary, but one thing they have in common is: they want to shift the collective consciousness to achieve the peace they need within their lives, families, and communities. I love hearing their stories: learning their way of life and the cultural influences they have around them. I also loved learning about the cultural dynamic within sub-Muslim groups/communities in that region.

It was such an honor to commune with these leaders – learning their stories, feeling their pain through their personal experiences and being filled by their passion in seeing change within their community. I am awestruck by their ability to persevere, their resilience and how selfless they are given the limited resources they have in the work that they do.

Helping Create a Community of Peace Hero Child Ambassadors

We drove 5 – 6 hours heading to Marawi. I have to be honest, I had mixed emotions about this. I am already so raw after a deep and emotional experience with the previous sessions that I didn’t know how I am going to react when I see kids and villages in dire need, yet I know I must get it together. So in the best way possible, I leaned in and got connected to just being authentic and strong in my vulnerability.

I was assigned to lead a group of kids and surprisingly they all have quite similar personalities. They were extremely shy, spoke very low and shared very little – a challenge indeed. You see, my work in New York is engaging adults and coaching them but I haven’t seen my strengths in teaching kids. However, I was reminded that this was not about me – giving all of me for them to have the full experience was good enough.

One of the kids has touched me through an exercise where we had to draw and describe what peace is in their family, school and community. That was when I realized that she lives in one of the evacuation villages – she drew everything that resonated with what she had. The house she had and her family in it, the school she had and everything in it, and she drew another school with everyone outside looking happy and playful. This was her reality before the war before everything turned into rubble and her once reality is now her dream.

Another remarkable experience was facilitating the Take Care of Peace game. The kids had to make sure the balls don’t drop through the holes while they trek towards the finish line. One of my students, unfortunately, had an encounter with one of the kids which resulted for the other kid to cry, to isolate himself and disengage. I hate to be the villain, but I felt like it was a valuable lesson to teach so I told the group that unfortunately, we are not going to move forward until he participates. My student felt forced to get him to rejoin, and some of his friends also were taunting him to do something. Despite his resistance and unwillingness, he complied. Sadly, they ran out of time to complete the task.

As I process this with them, I asked them how it felt that they didn’t finish the game and they answered: very sad. Then I said, the key is for everyone to work together, communicate with each other and make sure that everyone is playing to win because that’s how we succeed in life. Winning together is better than winning alone.

I spoke to my student and said: he looks up to you that’s why it hurt him, be the big brother and comfort him. He looked at me and as he was walking towards the next table, I saw him wrapped his arm around the other kid. It was a perfect moment!

In the three days that I was with the kids, I saw the incredible transformation in them. From day one of not engaging or even having the interest to participate, to Day 2 and 3 when I am just getting hugs and smiles from the time they see me throughout the day. This is what a culture of Peace looks like in the eyes of these children. There’s more love to give and it’s what they need.

The Teach Peace Build Peace Movement Team:

I couldn’t say enough praise, affirmation and admiration towards this team. From our first encounter to the last day, every single one is a leader in their own right. They are skillful, very talented and they embody the values of being Peace Heroes in their lives. You can see the burning passion in their eyes and the determination in creating magic in these people’s lives. They are fully aware of the impact that their work is going to do through their sessions and encounter, so they make sure to give it all. There’s no task too little or too big for them to do, they just do! Being effective is being responsible. It’s I don’t need to be told what to do, again and again, it’s picking up where one needs, and filling the gaps where it needs to be filled.

Everyone knows the importance of each other’s roles in making the peace mission successful. They run a such a tight ship but very efficient. Also, it was so amazing to meet and know the founder, Bai Rohaniza Sumndad – Usman. She is an incredibly inspiring woman – Even just by being in her presence, I felt safe and that infectious calmness; and the moment she speaks, wisdom and love run through. She is an inspiring, powerful and humble leader! Her advocacy has led to a tremendous impact in the lives not only on every participant of the sessions but also to every staff and volunteers of the movement. It is definitely an honor to experience and be part of the team.

I honestly didn’t have any expectations for this trip. I was ready to jump into anything however and whenever I am needed and came with the full commitment to serve. I came with an open mind and an open heart without judgements because I wanted to feel every experience and let it mold me. AND it definitely did! I have found inner peace in the comfort of my New York life, and though I can relate to some of the life struggles of our participants, I know it’s still incomparable to the level of unrest they feel seeing constant conflict around them. It made me realize how incredibly important this work is.

What can you do when you can harness that peace despite the gunshots, the air strikes, the loud noises, the insecurity and discomfort of living in tents or evacuation villages? What would their relationships look like towards everyone they encounter or even towards the world? What can they create?

It is in Peace where we can create positive changes and achieve social innovation. It is when you can give, contribute and inspire hope within your family, schools and communities or maybe… Maybe it is their lifeline. The last strand of hope they could hold on to.

This trip has given me so much more than just fulfilling a 9-year dream. It is falling in love in the diversity of our Filipino culture and our people, giving me the inspiration I need to not give up and work harder because there’s so much work to do. It is authentically elevating people’s lives and it is seeing hope in our children and feeling hopeful that it will get better. Thank you Teach Peace Build Peace Movement for the amazing work you do and I stand with you in the fight towards building a Culture of Peace in every Filipino child’s life.

June 20, 2018 / by CEE CARINO

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

PEACE MISSION UPDATE: TEACHERS – LEADERS AND BEARERS OF HOPE TOWARDS BUILDING PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES

“As educators, we are the key in promoting peace to our learners… we hold the key in transforming them into holistic individuals that will soon be peace advocates in their own community.” I TEACH PEACE Champion, Raima Cabaro shares during the Formation Session for Teachers.

Davao City, January 30, 2018 – Teachers are deemed as one of the most important influences in a child’s life but rarely recognize their role in peace building. Teacher Raima Cabaro shares that she has realised that educators are the key in promoting peace. As individuals who are part of shaping the lives of their learners, they too have an important role to play in shaping learners to be proactive peace builders in their communities.

As Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) pursues the second year of their flagship model program, Schools and Communities of Peace Heroes Formation Program, six selected schools from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte were gathered for the Formation Session for teachers with the theme Teacher Leaders for Peace: Beginning a Journey of Creating a Community of I TEACH PEACE Champions. The schools selected were Pidsandawan Elementary School, Sapakan Central Elementary School, Balo-i Central Elementary School, Saguiaran Central Elementary School, Sugod Central Elementary School, and Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School. Each school has been selected with the help of several partner institutions.

Each community and school has a different story and hold different experiences. The Formation Sessions are designed for the context of each community; it covered several topics that helped the participants cultivate inner peace and equip them will skills of conflict resolution, conflict transformation, proactive citizenship peace building, and resiliency. It has also covered topics that will help teachers on peaceful classroom management.

One of the esteemed speakers mentioned that they are not only peace educators but peaceful educators as well. I TEACH PEACE Champion, Mona Domato from one of the selected schools from Marawi City has shared that in being a Peace Champion,

“It is when we desire not only our own inner peace and happiness but as well as of others; it is when we dream and hope of an environment full of love, respect, and unity.”

This has proved that being in a conflict-affected area does not mean they have succumbed to the negative realities that armed conflict brings but rather they are bearers of positivity and hope for their community to make peace a reality, especially for children who are affected by different forms of conflict.

The participants have also gone through sessions on introspection and reflection. In these sessions, the participants were able to strengthen their relationship with their co-teachers as they learn deeper about each other. Their strengthened relationship has not only made them closer but also made them understand each other’s stories better and they have gained a better perception of their challenges as individuals and as a school and how they can transform these challenges into opportunities for transformation.

The Formation Session did not only aim to impart knowledge but more importantly build a community upholding the values of a family relationship; sharing to the participants that beyond making their schools conducive for learning, it is also necessary to make it a peaceable learning school and environment for learners; and a place where the school community can be proactive peace builders and pursue growth as one community.

Teachers have a great role to play beyond imparting academic learning, it is also to foster peaceful relationships among the members of the school community to build progressive and peaceful communities.

The journey does not stop after the Formation Session but rather it is just the beginning, together with the Kapatiran Schools. As each school and each teacher developed a Peace Education Development Plan, this will strengthen each schools’ commitment towards making Every Filipino Child and Youth a Peace Builder. One Child, One School, and One Community at a time.

February 20, 2018 / by MICAH EMILLE VERZOLA

PEACE MISSION UPDATE: A day of fun, a day of giving peace a chance to the children of Marawi

“…in an area where conflict is usually knocking at the back of the door; where bullets and missiles are real and not just seen on TV…” then, the only way to have peace is to teach peace.

Marawi, February 2-3, 2018. Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) Kapatiran Schools, Balo-i Central Elementary School and Saguiaran Central Elementary School in Lanao del Sur; and Sugod Central Elementary School and Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School in Marawi City had a Peace Fun Day wherein almost 1,500 learners ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6 received peace gifts; experienced and were taught about peace in a fun-exciting way.

The resounding voices of the learners as they give rhythm to Kapayapaan ‘peace’ served as the organization’s inspiration of shedding peace, love and positivity through a Peace Fun Day, a two to three-hour peace education session that gives emphasis on peace as a way of life, in an area where conflict is usually knocking at the back of the door; where bullets and missiles are real.

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“Nothing could replace the happiness our learners felt in the care of these peace champions. Alhamdulillah, they have got more than Psychological First Aid Sessions”, words of Teacher Mona Miscille Domato, an I TECAH PEACE Champion from Sugod Central Elementary School. Beyond the material things, we want to give hope to the children that peace is possible and attainable. More than making our dearest Brothers and Sisters happy, we want to teach and inculcate them that as young as they are they can contribute to peace building and key to sustainable peace is in their own hands.

Its all about peace

As an organization that spearheads the Peace Education programs for children both in conflict and non-conflict zones, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) Inc. uses innovative and creative strategies such as Music and Movement, Arts, Games, Sports and Service. Giving premium to the peace-values based activities using the I TEACH PEACE Learning Resources crafted by fellow Peace Heroes is Teach Peace Build Peace Movement’s exemplars when conducting peace activities, and nonetheless epitomized during the Peace Fun Day.

Art was surely used to distinctly used for peace. To process the thoughts and ideas of the learner, a SketchPad Project was launched in Sugod Central Elementary School Camp Bagong Pakpak Elementary School. The SketchPad Project serves as a learners’ visual diary wherein it will be given to them and collected after 6 months. Further, as part of the TPBPM’s peace visibility, a peace mural in the Kapatiran Schools were also created.

As a means to end the said activity in every schools, hope kits, stuffed toys, hygiene kits and malongs were given to the learners. These are from individuals, institutions and other sectors of the society, who believed and trusted in the advocacy of the organization, and thus wants to share some act of kindness to our children, brothers and sisters in Marawi.

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Despite the challenging realities that are happening in our society, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement family is determined to reach and to teach peace to more children, and live it as a way of life. Then, there is no right time than today to teach peace – to ‘teach peace to build a culture of peace in order to create a different generations of peace builders towards our goal of a just and peaceful society.’ Insha Allah.

Teach Peace Build Peace Movement is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization that aims to make every Filipino Child and Youth a peace builder. The organization spearheads a strategic initiative running Peace Education programs for children in conflict and non-conflict zones using a holistic approach. The said schools are all part of the TPBPM’s Schools and Communities of Peace Heroes Formation (SCPHF) Program, which is a holistic peace education program that was designed to apply creative and innovative ways and approaches in teaching about knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and behavior towards a Culture of Peace. It aims to bring about behavioral change that prevents the transformation of conflict into violence and war.

February 5, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

Category: SCPHFP