Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 18: To highlight the importance of introducing peace education in Government and private schools of J&K and Ladakh, the University of Kashmir has organized a two-day national level conference on ‘Peace Education’, which was inaugurated today.
The conference is aimed at orienting students, teachers and teacher-trainers towards curbing child abuse, ensuring child safety and promoting juvenile justice.
The conference is being organized by the university’s Department of Social Work in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) and international NGO Save the Children.
Vice Chancellor KU, Prof Nilofer Khan presided over the inaugural function. She underscored the need for peace education in the curriculum and stressed on sensitising masses, especially students, teachers, teacher-trainers for nation building.
Underlining the critical aspects of peace education in India while referring to the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), Director, Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Prof Kaushikee in her keynote address said: “In order to train the child we need to train the teachers first.”
Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Farooq A Masoodi said it is important to adapt to changing circumstances as that is the key to happiness and tolerance and in turn for lasting peace.
Highlighting the importance of child safety, especially of the girl child, Registrar KU, Dr Nisar Ahamd Mir said, “We have to redefine the agencies of socialization as creches become the first points of socialization.”
Terming peace relative, Director, Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Dr Tassaduq Hussain Mir said peace changes from time to time and that peace education is a much needed intervention in schooling. “In around 300 Government schools, DSEK has already introduced peace education as part of the curriculum,” he said.
Sharing his experience as a child, CEO Save the children India, Sudharshan Suchi said, “Peace education is not an antidote to violence rather it helps in chasing the idea of happiness.”
Head, Save the Children, J&K and Ladakh, M Sharif Bhat said, “We must inculcate values and skills in children and there should be a healthy teacher-student relationship and peace education is one way to keep a check in that direction.”
Earlier, Head, Department of Social Work, Dr Shazia Manzoor briefed about organising the conference and importance of peace education.
Child Champion Misbah Aslam also shared her experience. Dr Sarfaraz Ahmad proposed the vote of thanks while Dr Aadil Bashir conducted the proceedings.
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