Promoting Global Harmony: HWPL's Peace Education Making Strides in Nigeria

'Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light' (HWPL) has been actively promoting peace education worldwide. HWPL, under the leadership of Chairman Man Hee Lee, aims to foster a culture of peace through education. Peace education involves instilling values in the younger generation, ensuring they comprehend and internalize the true essence of peace. The vision is for students to not only understand the values of peace but also cultivate a mindset that contributes to the dissemination of a culture of peace. Among many countries participating in the HWPL’s Peace Education, Nigeria is a country where many testifies that “they find the reason to teach ‘peace.’

Image from Pixabay

Peace Education in Nigeria

Despite being the most populous country in Africa, with over 200 million people, Nigeria faces ongoing challenges such as inter-ethnic disputes, land development issues, and religious conflicts between its 40% Christian and 50% Muslim populations. That is why Nigeria needs peace desperately. The movement to achieve peace was practiced by conducting peace education programs. The history of peace education in Nigeria traces back to the 'South Africa Peace Development Conference' in November 2020. The conference led to the solicitation of proposals for the 2021 Peace Project Policy, marking the beginning of the South Africa Peace Project. Subsequently, a program was established to enhance the capabilities of peace educators.

Image from Pixabay

Actual Practice of HWPL’s Peace Education in Nigeria: Interviews

Dr. Emeka Oguji, Vice-Chancellor of Owerri Technical National University, is also the head of the International Family Foundation (IFF) who has been participating in HWPL's peace education. He emphasizes how the program enhances individual capacities and acts as a transformative force for societal peace. The main reason Emeka became passionate about HWPL's peace education is precisely because he experienced a tangible change in his actions through participating in peace education. Emeka emphasized, "The peace education program has demonstrated that small things, such as our behaviors and attitudes, can bring about significant changes." He also added, "Through peace education, I've come to realize the profound meaning these seemingly unnoticed actions and attitudes hold for others."

 Another advocate of HWPL’s peace education is Joy Mmebepeter Ha'a, a person responsible for Youth Programs at International Peace Talent Development Center (INTERCEP). Ha'a underscores the potential of peace education to contribute to a peaceful and equitable society. She testifies that implementing HWPL's peace education in schools and organizations had positive impact on students. During the HWPL's peace teacher training, she was deeply impressed by an education’s word, "Unless we teach children about peace, someone else will teach them violence." This became the catalyst for her to implement HWPL's peace education in various schools and organizations. Ms. Ha'a said, "Through HWPL's peace education, I could enlighten students about the small elements disrupting peace in their lives, families, and society." She recalled being amazed by the emotional response of students when conducting peace education that focused on sacrifice without expecting anything in return.

 Ovakenna Tracy Obofoni is a volunteer coordinator at Visions for Nigeria Foundation (VFNF). Feeling the necessity to instill the mind of peace to the next generation, she is taking the lead in HWPL's peace education. She shares memorable encounters with students who, after participating in peace education, expressed happiness and understanding of the need for harmony.

 

HWPL Peace Education:  The Best Investment for Future Generation

HWPL's peace education is not just a theoretical exercise but a transformative process that resonates with individuals, communities, and entire nations. Through the lens of Nigeria, we witness the tangible outcomes of peace education, as educators, students, and volunteers actively contribute to building a more harmonious society. As we reflect on these stories, it becomes evident that investing in peace education is an investment in a more compassionate and united world.