Argentina prioritizes education for peace

A book written by Marcelo Rezende, keynote speaker at WACC’s Congress 2008, has been placed on the curriculum of national schools by Argentina’s Ministry of Education. Its title is Aprender a Educar para la Paz (Learning to Educate for Peace).

Norma Falchetti, representative of the United Council for Christian Education (a WACC Corporate Member), participated in the third series of ministerial-level ‘School Talks’ that took place 22-23 October 2007. More than 200 young students from different parts of Argentina took part.

Falchetti commented that, ‘The Ministry approved and incorporated the book, published by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI), as study material for the country’s schools. I was present as part of the CLAI team and was able to participate in the important work being done by young people from around the country. It was genuine privilege to be part of a working group of 12 young people and their coordinator, exchanging opinions with them and listening to their testimonies.’

The more than 200 students present analyzed and studied the article ‘Rethinking the notion of peace’ taken from the book. Their comments found a place in the final document drawn up by the meeting and presented to the education authorities.

‘The walls of the meeting room were covered in posters done by the participants and based on themes taken from the book’, added Falchetti.

Representatives of national education authorities were present, together with those of civil and religious groups of different beliefs. Falchetti praised the step taken by the Ministry of Education, saying that ‘The challenge now is for us to work on the theme in our own religious institutions.’

Further information about the book can be obtained from jacquiyanez@clailatino.org

Report by Philip Lee. Source: CLAI, Nuevo Siglo , December 2007.