In search of lasting peace in schools : learner’s perceptions of peace education in Western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Over the last decade, peace education programmes have been implemented in many European and African countries. Peace education is essential to reduce the scourge of violence affecting schools and for developing positive thinking. It is a tool to create consciousness among individuals to better comprehend the threat of conflict and violence. However, research and media reports indicate that violence continues to affect learners in schools. This poses the question of whether learners fully understand peace education as a strategy to combat school violence. The study was undertaken to determine secondary school learners ’perceptions of peace education, using the integrative theory of peace as theoretical lens. The research employed a qualitative approach in three case studies at secondary schools in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Three focus group interviews with a purposefully selected group of five learners in each school were conducted. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that most participants had a poor understanding of peace education. It is recommended that schools should promote peace education and increase awareness among all learners by organizing public campaigns for peace education; integrating peace education into the curriculum; and providing learners and teachers with training in peace education.