Building a Culture of Peace: HWPL's Peace Education Impact in Romania

HWPL's Special Relationship with Romania

Romania, known as the "powder keg of Europe" due to its turbulent history, has forged a unique alliance with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). The country's support for Chairman Manhee Lee's peace initiatives has been unwavering, leading to Romania's designation of HWPL as a cooperating group when it was selected as EU Presidency in 2019.  Notably, Emil Constantinescu, Romania's former President and HWPL advisory board member, has actively promoted Chairman Lee's solutions for ‘Cessation of War and World Peace,’ playing a crucial role as a peace partner for HWPL.

Image from 'Step Toward Peace' www.peacestep.com

HWPL Peace Education in Romania

Peace education took root in Romania during the Chairman Lee and HWPL’s 31st World Peace Tour. During the '2019 Peace Education Conference,’ the main event of 31^st World Peace Tour, the achievements of the peace curriculum designed to fit European circumstances and director for developing peace culture based on international peace law were presented. After the conference, schools and organizations signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to implement customized peace education and activities using HWPL-provided peace teaching materials. Additionally, during this event, 13 peace educators were appointed. As of today, 19 schools signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to implement peace education under HWPL's Peace Education initiative. The curriculum, tailored to European contexts, has garnered positive responses, with 19 appointed peace educators imparting the spirit of peace to students.

Image from HWPL Homepage

Impact of HWPL Peace Education for Students and Teachers

Educators in Romania have expressed enthusiasm for the HWPL Peace Education, citing its openness and effectiveness. Lusan Oana, a teacher from Hamburg School 195, highlighted the positive transformations observed in students. Oana noted increased student engagement in global peace-related activities, changed perspectives on historical events after discussions, and proactive participation in peace-building initiatives. Lusan Oana emphasized the importance to peace education on changing behavior of students on world peace, asking for teachers to open up their mind for peace education.

Students, too, have responded positively to peace education, realizing the values of peace, and having the respectful mindset for others. Sarbu Yarina Ioana, a 12-year-old student from Hamburg School 195, acknowledged that this program enabled Ioana to realize belief and standards that improve the values of life.  Neun Aaron Christian, a 7-year-old, emphasized the transformative potential of peace education in preserving traditions, fostering unity within families, and equipping individuals to combat confusion and contribute to peace.

Image from HWPL Homepage

Success in HWPL’s Peace Curriculum in Romania

Local teachers have praised HWPL's peace curriculum, describing it as comprehensive and flawless. HWPL officials attribute this success not only to the educational process but also to teachers embedding the spirit of peace within themselves, passionately imparting it to students. As Romania continues to embrace the seeds of peace sown by HWPL, the country stands as a testament to the transformative power of education in building a culture of peace and understanding.