“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.