From Classrooms to Communities: How HWPL’s Peace Culture Centers Are Transforming Zambia’s Public Education
Can peace education turn schools into safe havens while solving social issues like bullying, drug abuse, and early marriage?
In Zambia—often dubbed a 'Land of Peace'—many students face harsh realities within school walls, from bullying to early pregnancies. To tackle these issues at their root, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) joined hands with Zambian educators to launch Peace Culture Centers, integrating peace education into official public school club activities.
What is the 'Peace Culture Center'?
Rather than overhauling the existing school framework, HWPL and local educators utilized familiar school clubs to introduce weekly peace curriculum. The 5-step curriculum guides students from self-worth discovery to active peace citizenship:
Discovering Self-Worth: Building self-esteem and discovering the value of life through self-portraits and introductions.
Responsible Choices: Preventing substance abuse and setting future goals using 'Dream Walls'.
Cultivating Respect: Reflection journals, role-plays, and peace pledges for conflict resolution.
Actionable Peace: Engaging in community service and local peace campaigns.
Civic Responsibility: Understanding the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and pledging to be law-abiding peace citizens.
Key Milestones in Zambian Schools
Yotam Muleya Secondary School: On March 18, over 2,000 attendees—including Ministry of Education officials, principals, and students—gathered for the inaugural Peace Culture Center launch. Principal Sevelian Ng'oma reported noticeable improvements in student discipline, conflict resolution, and overall school environment.
Nyngombe Primary School: Students created 'Gratitude Trees' and 'Peace Trees' to practice forgiveness and empathy, turning former bullies into peace messengers.
Chazanga Combined School: Serving nearly 9,000 students, the program equipped youth to resist drug abuse and early marriage, protecting their academic futures.
Endorsement from Education Leaders
Top Zambian education officials have publicly lauded the initiative's alignment with national values:
"This program aligns perfectly with Zambia’s national motto—'One Zambia, One Nation'—and our national values of mutual respect and social cohesion."
— Judith Siakalima Muzona, District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Lusaka
"Equipping teachers with the capacity to implement peace education in schools is deeply meaningful. We hope this culture of peace becomes naturally rooted across all schools."
— Amos Simutowe, District Education Officer, Lusaka
Sustainable Growth: Peace Teacher Training (PET)
The movement's sustainability relies on trained educators. On June 28, 2026, a graduation ceremony for the Peace Educator Training (PET) program took place in Lusaka, certifying local teachers who now continuously refine lesson plans and mentor peers.
By empowering youth and teachers alike, HWPL and Zambian educators are ensuring that peace is no longer just a concept taught in textbooks, but a lived reality across Zambia.
Source: https://vo.la/FgKoq4O
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