Peace Heroes – Teach Peace Build Peace Movement

#WOMENFORPEACE: Janessa Tek-ing

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m Nessa, a storyteller, and writer at heart. I am passionate about weaving my love for storytelling and technology with advocacy. I use my voice and my words to tell stories that inspire people to act and give back. I have been a TPBPM volunteer since 2013 (when it started!).

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.

I’m a communications consultant to TPBPM since 2013 and in my role, I help the organization with their communications needs to the best of my ability. I also volunteer in some activities —whether as a mentor or a writer — whenever I can.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

I believe every moment with TPBPM is a story worth remembering in itself. But if I were to choose only one experience, it would be the Artist for Peace Mentoring Workshop which we held in Lanao Del Sur. I love it because I got the opportunity to listen to the stories of kids from Mindanao: their stories of resilience and strength, as well as their dreams and aspirations. It touched me so much because it made me realize (as with all TPBPM activities!) how lucky I am in life and how much more work we need to do. Children in conflict areas have so much potential, they just need to be in a nurturing, peaceful environment and that’s the part we’re helping to build with our advocacy.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

I will always remember this: peace starts within us. So, I consciously made it my own personal mission to constantly do the inner work because I cannot share peace if I don’t have it within me. I believe that’s what we’re also trying to share through our advocacy in TPBPM: that for peace to be truly attainable, we all have to get rid of our personal biases towards people, places, and circumstances.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

Start with yourself. Any advocacy starts with a small gesture because if you strive for a much bigger step right away, you might end up not taking any action at all. What do you have that you can share with others? Because that gift was given to you for a reason. I remember my peace advocacy started when I was in college, a time when I missed volunteering so much. I told myself, “You’re good at public speaking and writing. Maybe you can do something with that.” So I offered myself and looked for organizations I can support: first with PeaceTech (as a youth ambassador) then with TPBPM (as a comms consultant and writer). I’ve been advocating for peace since then. But, the work doesn’t stop there—you also have to be a constant role model. If you’re trying to advocate for something, you have to walk the talk. So, I’ve been trying my best to live mindfully and really, just be authentic with who I am and how I deal with others.

Peace is looking at the world around you and seeing the good that surrounds it. It’s living your life in the present, offering yourself mindfully to others and being aware of who you are and what the world needs from you.
Janessa Tek-ing

March 1, 2022 / by JANESSA TEKING

#WOMENFORPEACE: Soteya Trasadas

Tell us something about yourself.

I was born and raised in the Province of Iloilo, and then I moved to Manila in 2015 to study for college. Currently, I am a 2nd-year law student at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City. My years of experience and exposure in both conflict and non-conflict zones in the Philippines through TPBPM had strengthened my commitment to working for peace and empowering different sectors of society, especially the children and the youth.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.

I started with TPBPM as an intern back on April 20, 2015, and after that became part of the Secretariat Team where my first exposure was in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. I am one of the Peace Mission Leaders handling peace education projects for children, youth, teachers, parents, soldiers. I am involved in module writing, facilitating workshops, writing articles, creating content for social media and newsletters as well as organizing our schools and communities.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

I have to say that every experience with TPBPM especially when we are doing fieldwork is a memorable one. But if there is one thing that struck me the most is during our 3-hour peace education session in Marawi City at the height of the Marawi Siege. One of the facilitators approached me and introduced a kid to me and shared that he (the kid) idolize me and wanted to be like me when he grow up, someone who teaches other children, especially in their area where conflict and war are thriving. I did not expect that I will have an impact on that child given that we did the session for only 3-hours. My takeaway in that session is that – every moment is very precious as we may leave a mark on every child or person’s life. It was then I fully appreciated one of the guiding principles of TPBPM that we hold into – unless we teach our children peace, someone else will teach them violence. Thus, no time is wasted when we show kindness to every person. It is actually through our actions and words, whether we make or break a person. In those trying times, I am humbled to spark hope and draw inspiration to the child to do something not just for himself but also for the benefit of everyone; it allowed him to have a vision of something he can hold into, something beautiful and peaceful.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

I am inspired by the words that before world peace, inner peace. This is something that I believe for we cannot give what we don’t have and attaining inner peace is not absolute and actual but an outcome of continuous practice. Being a peace advocate is not about perfection for compassion with oneself and others will always be tested due to the circumstances surrounding us every day. But at the end of the day, it is us and only we will have control over our thoughts, words, and actions. Our conscious effort and choice, one day at a time will be our source of peacefulness and will radiate to everyone surrounding us as well. As Thich Nhat Hanh said, peace is when your thoughts, words, and actions are in harmony.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

As we move towards a more complex society, we need more young women and people to advocate for peace in order to transform the cycle of violence and conflict into a generation of peacebuilders. We need more young and passionate people who will educate the next generation on the art of peaceful living. Teaching peace goes beyond every gender and age. It is high time that we share whatever we have, for every act of kindness is an act of peace.

Peace is when you are able to sit still and have positive thoughts no matter what negativity surrounds you.

March 1, 2022 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

#WOMENFORPEACE: Faisah Hadji Sapiin

Tell us something about yourself.

I am Faisah S. Hadji Sapiin from Marawi City Lanao del Sur. I was a Psychology graduate from Mindanao State University. I am a peace and mental health advocate who joins several youth organizations working on these advocacies. I was the College Representative of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and Commissioner on Student’s Rights and Welfare in the MSU Supreme Student Government 2019-2022 where I was able to hone my leadership skills. I am a member of different youth organizations implementing projects related to youth participation, women empowerment, civic engagement, social inclusion, and social enterprises.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.

I am the Community Mobilizer and Lead Facilitator in Lanao del Sur. I am in charge of organizing our communities in Lanao del Sur and facilitating peace education sessions for children in the bakwit village in Marawi City and elementary schools in Ramain, Lanao del Sur.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?

When I started working in Teach Peace Build Peace Movement I was amazed by their kind words and acts of kindness to people. I was being Influenced by their genuine engagements, hope, and energy for peace. Challenging but I was so happy to be part of this family. I will never regret being part of this organization. Hearing the different stories of kids and parents inspires me to be more genuine with my work and advocacy in life. Preaching my knowledge and experiences to participants is great zakat for the people I’ve met.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?

As I become an I Teach Peace Facilitator, I learned to use constructive ways to managed differences and resolve conflicts. By practicing forgiveness and acts of kindness. Being mindful of what should I say or how should I respond to people I met and I talk to. Words are really powerful, and sometimes it is not what you say but “how,” you say those words that can impact other people. Controlling our own negative emotions and how to mindfully deal with them is one of the lessons I practice in my daily life.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?

To young women out there, let’s join groups that advocate for peace and social justice to reap the benefits of mutual support and collective actions. Let’s give time for this kind of activity (Peace Missions). There are many practices or ways to accomplish peace. Let us be conscious keeping our mind at peace regardless of external circumstances.

Peace is —
When every individual has inner peace and when they know how to manage their own emotions. When they know how to deal with people they met and transform conflicts happening around them. And when everyone promotes fairness, respect, and dignity for all.
FAISAH HADJI SAPIIN

March 1, 2022 / by Ate Badet

#WomenForPeace: Jane Marie Dimacisil

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m Ate Jane, the Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Consultant and Peace Mission Council Member, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement. I am passionate about Islamic mental health and peace education in our communities which all started when I learned more and more about the challenging situation of our Muslim Filipino brothers and sisters not just in Mindanao but also in Metro Manila. I’m currently based in Turkey but continue to work for our communities from afar. I’m a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and forever knowledge seeker.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.
As TPBPM’s MHPSS Consultant, I help ensure our peace education programs integrate mental health and psychosocial support principles and practices. I also contribute as a module writer and peace education leadership formator for educators, parents and youth leaders.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?
There are so many, but what stands out most is our psychosocial peacebuilding emergency response during the Marawi siege. Hearing stories of survival and loss due to the conflict was simultaneously challenging and inspiring; challenging in that it was really hard to remain strong as we process survivors’ thoughts and emotions, and inspiring in that we learned (and continue to learn) so much from them about how to keep hope alive amidst all the chaos.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?
I love TPBPM’s focus on inner peace first and foremost. It’s quite difficult, actually, with the challenges that come with the basket of roles we play in life. But, I try my best to nurture and protect my inner peace as it is the only way for us to truly contribute to positive change in our homes and communities.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?
Peace begins from within; hence, we need to continue to know ourselves, our ultimate purpose in life, and what helps us protect our inner peace. We also need to surround ourselves with people who share the same vision and mission in life. It is by knowing ourselves and our tribe that we can fulfill our purpose in life as peaceful servants of The Almighty.

Peace is —
Patient Entelechy Amidst Chaotic Environments (P.E.A.C.E.); i.e, finding the patience to continue actualizing and fulfilling our daily purpose no matter how challenging our contexts are–always through and for the sake of The Almighty.
Jane Marie Dimacisil-Samur

March 1, 2022 / by JANE MARIE DIMACISIL-SAMUR

Peace Education Leadership Towards a Peaceable School

Dr. Azcayah Sacar, Principal of Barimbingan Central Elementary School, has always strived to excel as a mother and as a leader, in the school, she is leading. As a person who always strives to give what is best for her family, she also continues to aspire to be a good leader to the school community.

Challenges have always been there, but Ma’am Azcayah shared that this pandemic has made connection difficult, not just with the learners but also with the school community including the parents and the different stakeholders. During module distributions, attendance of parents is inconsistent and schedules are not being followed and in some instances, teachers who reach out to the parents to assist the learners face the challenge of being unwelcomed by the parents because of the risk of getting COVID-19. These made her more determined to bring about a solution to these challenges and to make the school feel more like a close-knit community.

Joining the Peace Education Leadership Formation Course for Educators, Ma’am Azcayah shared that the most impactful session for her was the session on understanding bullying. This has reshaped her perception of making a school safe from all kinds of violence and handling it proactively. Bullying is a kind of violence that should not be taken lightly because it is one of the associated risks in terms of recruitment in violent groups because for the victim, a study entitled When Kids Hurt Other Kids: Bullying in Philippine Schools by Margaret S. Sanapo, a common reaction is being angry with their bullies and this is a motivation to seek retaliation and for the bully who seeks to have power over those who seem weaker. These vulnerabilities increase the likelihood of children being enticed by groups with ideologies of inflicting violence and harm towards another person. In the same study, it was said that teachers’ interventions are short-term.

Having an Anti-Bullying Policy increases accountability among the school community. This also makes the students aware of the school’s efforts and with this, they will also know how to interact with their peers in school and who to go to for conflict resolution and conflict transformation.

Before the Peace Education Leadership Formation Course, her understanding of excellence in leadership was about accomplishing all requirements and compliances. But upon learning about Peace Education, another lens was introduced. It has added the component of fostering relationships with the community. Ma’am Azcayah emphasized that she now makes it part of her goal to establish a deeper relationship with the stakeholders in her school community. Learn to process with them and peacefully negotiate when necessary.

This is now her definition of a Peaceable School. A school where people do not just get along but we’re striving for the safety and well-being of children are prime. This is what gave a growing desire to establish strong Anti-Bullying policies in school that promote Peace Heroism with the children. She shared that there was no Anti-Bullying Policy in their school before. This endeavor is a milestone for the school in strengthening measures and making sure the whole school is part of making the school community more peaceable for the learners, teachers, parents, and other members of the school community.

While many forms of conflict do exist and it is inevitable, this is a step towards making meaningful relationships within the school community. Safety for the learners also means establishing a deeper and ever-growing relationship between the parents, who are key to the learners’ ability to learn especially now when physical connections are limited. This is a strong start to their journey as a school and Ma’am Azcayah is determined to strengthen the commitment through Peace Education Leadership.

September 30, 2021 / by MICAH EMILLE VERZOLA

Small Steps In Peace: A testimony from little Adzam

“… I throw the trash away, I sweep the floor, and now, my teacher can even ask me to go up the board and answer in front of the class.” This is what Adzam, 12 years old, said when asked about the changes he observed since joining the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement’s peace education sessions. He ignored those simple tasks back when he was still, as he described himself, “stubborn”. But now, Adzam sees himself as more obedient and diligent in and out of their home.

Adzam shared having one particular friend who he partners with to clean their classroom after school. He described his friend as having a good heart telling us about how he would offer to lend his pen during class or share his food with others.

At such a young age, Adzam went beyond just learning the importance of these little acts of peace. He is also putting them into practice. It often gives him positive feelings not for but from doing good deeds.

With joy and pride in his eyes, Adzam recalled how happy his parents were since he started showing positive changes in his behavior and recounted the times he peacefully heeded their guidance. This makes him genuinely happy, both as a son and as a Peace Hero.

“If not for TPBPM, I wouldn’t be a Peace Hero.” Adzam felt that he would not learn about the virtues of doing good if not for the peace education sessions he attended.

Little did he know that peace has always been inside him; the sessions just served as a tool to let the inherent good in him manifest. Adzam’s transformation, together with the other children who have undergone TPBPM’s Peace Education Program, is a testament to how Peace Education has contributed to these children’s cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal skills which in turn, resulted to positive behavioral transformation.

Adzam’s testimony of how transformative peaceful actions can be is truly inspiring. Take it from a child who continuously strives to lead by example.

“I learned to play, draw, and color.” As small as these may be, Adzam went on to learn beyond his years. Next time we think of grand ways to teach our kids peace, we might want to consider starting small. After all, one small step leads to another.

PEACE HEROES FORMATION PROGRAM

The Peace Heroes Formation (PHF) Program provides a holistic approach to Peace Education by incorporating Conflict Prevention, Conflict Transformation, and Proactive Citizenship Peace Building. It 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 behavior change that prevents the transformation of conflict into violence and war. This program also hopes to show the relevance of Peace Education in our society, and be able to contribute to ways on how to institutionalize educating schools and communities on the art of peaceful living. TPBPM utilizes existing social structures such as family, school, and communities as the primary niche in nurturing the heart of a child to be a Peace Hero.

Get to know more about this program:

October 30, 2019 / by TROJAN TROY PABICO

Being a peace hero starts with the little things

A warzone is also the last place you’d want to raise a child in.

For the students and teachers of Tatak Elementary in Mamasapano just a few years ago, and the chance of a bomb dropping was their normal. Living in constant fear of getting hit by a stray bullet is not how any person should live, but the residents of that area have no choice but to endure.

While this environment of war and conflict can be a traumatic experience for anyone regardless of age, it is the children who are most likely to be affected.

King Paris Ambolodto, a student from Tatak, recalls that time sadly: “Dati pag may bomba kaya di nakakapagaral dahil natatakot ang mga teachers sa school, at natakot matamaan ng ligaw na bala.”

(Before when there were bombs, we couldn’t study because our teachers were scared. They were scared of getting hit by stray bullets.)

King Paris is just one of the many students who have undergone Teach Peace Build Peace’s Peace Heroes Formation Program. The program aims to use creative and innovative ways to teach and build a culture of peace in these conflict areas.

These sessions don’t attempt to address war head on – instead, they use existing social structures, such as family and school to nurture loving hearts and spread the importance of peace in our everyday lives. Usually, this begins within the classroom, with lessons that explain why fighting is bad, and why kindness and respect for one another is needed to keep the peace.

At school, King Paris used to participate in playful fights with his classmates that sometimes wouldn’t end well. “May napipikon sa classmate, may umiiyak,” he says.

(Some of my classmates end up easily angered by the jokes and eventually cry.)

After attending the formation sessions, King Paris says that he learned to be friendlier to his friends and family, avoiding any kind of fighting. He even extends kindness to others, volunteering to clean up after class and even bringing food to his lola (grandma) who lives nearby. Sometimes, he helps his mother wash clothes.

While it is difficult to control the situations in which these children are brought up, teaching them to become peace heroes is one way to prevent the transformation of conflict into violence and war.

PEACE HEROES FORMATION PROGRAM

Get to know more about this program:

October 30, 2019 / by GABY GLORIA

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

Unleashing the Artist Facet

As part of the Artist for Peace and Communication Team who is usually responsible in creating more awareness through the different forms of art; I typically volunteer in documenting events and sometimes if, given the opportunity, I become a facilitator where I get to interact with the children, parents, and teachers. Nevertheless, to fully utilize my role, I also do collateral materials and assists in bringing creative output for both the schools and communities and the movement’s program itself – as I became the lead artist in some Peace Murals and taught the children how to draw that is part of the SketchPad Project. This SketchPad Project is a visual diary of the children where they get to share their everyday life, and on the other end, as TPBPM leave it to them for (6) months and will be reviewed, TPBPM will be able to trace the progress of their journey as Peace Heroes. One of the significant achievements that I have is when I get to materialize some Peace Education Materials – the I TEACH PEACE Learning Resources like Tara Na Board Game and the Sila Ay Tayo Educational Set which is also my undergrad thesis as Visual Communication student in UP. The Tara Na Board Game teaches about different religions and culture and the Sila Ay Tayo Education Set introduces our Ayta brothers and sisters way of life. In my journey as an Artist for Peace, it motivates me to do more materials, as I see the children not just enjoy but also learn from it. At a very young age, you already give them an appreciation of what Peace is all about and make them apply it in their own lives.

Before I started in my SCPHFP Journey, I began to question the program’s extent of its range – how far it can go and reach since it started only on a few numbers of school. It would then take a while if we want it to achieve on a nationwide scale. But as times go by and with all the volunteers’ efforts, I find it very effective in reaching out to kids, parents, and educators of a different culture from different communities in the country. Whenever I got the communities that we have, I always see familiar faces. They keep on coming back. Hence, made me realize of the SCPHFP’s potent development bridging cultural gaps that bring people closer as they too embrace intercultural, intergenerational and interfaith approach within their schools and communities.

As SCPHFP continuously grow, I hope that it will be able to reach and touch more lives and communities not just in the country but also on the global scale. To the schools and communities that TPBPM serves, I would like to leave them with a message that despite their current situation, may their dreams not be faded away, but remains hopeful in reaching it [dreams].

March 10, 2018 / by MA. SOTEYA APRYLL TRASADAS

Tag: Peace Heroes

#WOMENFORPEACE: Janessa Tek-ing

#WOMENFORPEACE: Soteya Trasadas

#WOMENFORPEACE: Faisah Hadji Sapiin

#WomenForPeace: Jane Marie Dimacisil

Peace Education Leadership Towards a Peaceable School

Small Steps In Peace: A testimony from little Adzam

Being a peace hero starts with the little things

RAISA MAE MALANG: Humanizing Peace Concepts

Unleashing the Artist Facet

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