“Analysis of Implementation and Practices of Peace Education in Schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan”

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore presence of peace education in schools of the twin cities of Pakistan. Students' experiences and teachers' perceptions of peace education are the variables. Peace education in public and private schools in Islamabad as well as Rawalpindi is also examined in this research. For data collection, the study uses both semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as its survey techniques. Schools in the Twin Cities are the subject of the study, and a total of 200 kids and teachers have been selected as a sample. Students and teachers were chosen at random from the research population to be interviewed. A qualitative and quantitative investigation was conducted. There is more SPE (a student's experience of peace education) and TPE (a teacher's perspective about peace education) in Islamabad schools than in Rawalpindi schools, according to the results from the graphical technique. As a result, peace education in Islamabad schools is on par with that in Rawalpindi. Teachers and curriculum from different socioeconomic backgrounds should be considered by Pakistani officials. Two schools that stood prominent for actively initiating peace education either in curriculum or short-term programs were Roots School System and Grammar School Rawalpindi. These institutes have well-structured and well-planned curriculum and activities designed to impart peace education or related concepts among students with effectiveness. However, similar strategies, methods and approaches used for peace education cannot be well suited in every context. As a result, peace education programs must be tailored to meet the unique requirements of each of these individuals. There must be a long-term plan for teaching peace education to Pakistani children. Short-term programs in schools should be introduced based on their efficacy in settling disagreements that arise due to frequent contacts between individuals. The on-going pandemic, Covid-19, is a limitation of the study. Face to face interaction was difficult due to the closure of educational institutes for almost a year. Hence, the data collection is done through online forums as well. This includes telephonic and online interviews and online questionnaires to obtain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, national and international issues that have an impact on peace education in Pakistan will be explored in the future. Future research should examine the impact of income and other demographic factors on peace education.