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PrintMedia & Culture of Peace (2000-2001)
Project Overview
Media and Peace Education in Afghanistan
(Aug 2000-Aug 2001)
Goal
To empower the Afghan people by strengthening their capacity to contribute to building peace through the breaking of cycles of violence, promoting peaceful living and preventing violent conflicts.
Objectives
1) To develop a peace education curriculum for Afghan school children ages 10-15 (partner Swedish Committee for Afghanistan)
2) To develop eight storybooks for Afghan children with clear peace messages (partner: BBC, SIEAL, Care-Afghanistan)
3) To provide workshops on "peace journalism" to Afghan writers and journalists (partners: Transcend and Afghan University)
4) To strengthen capacities of the organizations involved to bring peace to Afghanistan (partners: TRANSCEND, Afghan University, CPAU, RACA and Afghanistan Council of Women)
5) To develop a psychosocial model of peace education and conflict transformation, to document its impact and to disseminate the results for further applications (partner: Transcend)
Field Activities and Outputs
We have used an educational and, more specifically, a "train-the-trainer" approach aimed at: Afghan intellectuals; religious and political leaders; members of political parties and actions; writers; journalists; teachers; and a variety of Afghans and non-Afghans active in NGOs working in Afghanistan. The basic ideas about peace-building and psychosocial approaches to peaceful living are transmitted through workshops and written material (prepared in English translated into Afghan languages) with a view to encouraging participants to spread them through their workshops and apply them in their own work and day-to-day living. Results to this date (April 2001) reflected in evaluations from participants of peace education workshops and meetings as well as those who reviewed the peace manual and stories are encouraging. Peace Education workshops held in Peshawar, Pakistan in February 2001 were facilitated by Professor Johan Galtung (TRANSCEND, Norway), Dr. Seddiq Weera (McMaster University), Professor Graeme MacQueen (McMaster University), Dr. Joanna Santa-Barbara (McMaster University) and Dr. Jack Santa-Barbara (McMaster University)
Below is a summary list of project activities and outputs from August 2000 to August 2001):
1) The Peace Manual: This manual was reviewed by several organizations that support education in Afghanistan. Feedback thus far suggests the Manual may be useful for a broad spectrum of literate adults, not just teachers. A Teacher/User's Guide will be produced to accompany the Manual with instructions and exercises to assist teachers to convert the information in the Manual into classroom activities. Translated into both Dari and Pashto languages, the manual is now being typed and will be ready for field-testing in September 2001
Partner: Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, Care-Afghanistan, SIEAL and AWC.
2) Storybooks: Sixteen storybooks dealing with stress, anger, grief, trauma, empathy, interpersonal problem-solving and reconciliation, produced at McMaster University were reviewed by experts from many agencies in Peshawar. Stories have been translated and typed into both of the Afghan languages and some illustrations have been produced. Final mass production will take place after field-testing in September 2001 with Afghan children and teachers.
Partners: BBC, SIEAL, Care-Afghanistan
3) Workshop in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation offered on Feb. 19-22, 2001 in Peshawar was attended by approximately 100 Afghan intellectuals, political leaders, university professors, community leaders, NGO-representatives and writers (85 male and 15 female). Goals of the workshop were explicit in the opening statements by Seddiq Weera on the first day of the workshop: "This workshop is going to be a learning and analytical exercise with the aim of preparing the minds of Afghans for a peaceful future. Afghans need to bring deep changes in their minds in order to allow them a) to honestly acknowledge the rights of all ethnic groups and parties, small or big; b) to appreciate the good services and qualities of all groups, c) to be critical of their own and others mistakes and failures, d) to develop the courage to take responsibility for their failures and weaknesses and try to prevent repeating them in the future. Afghans (political groups and individuals) need to be sincere in what they say and do and not play games with each other anymore." The daily number of participants varied slightly, the invitation list included 20% executive members of political parties (and organizations), 30% key Afghans from NGOs, 15% professors from Afghan University and 35% community leaders. Day one was used for discussing non-Afghan conflicts. Day two and half of day-three were spent discussing recent and current Afghan conflicts and their peaceful transcendence. Participants, divided into five discussion groups, listed over 30 conflicts. Detailed discussion took place around four major conflicts: i) conflict between Taliban and Northern Alliance, ii) conflict among regional and international players, iii) conflict of position between Mujahideen and Taliban over the issue of gender and iv) conflict between mediators and conflicting parties. Over seventy important issues arose from discussions (see Appendix One 'Issues Raised During the Workshop'). The second half of day three and first half of day four were spent on reconciliation, prejudice and hatred reduction as well in drafting the workshop resolution . Day five was used for a lecture on peace journalism. This day had to be cut down to a half day because of an unforeseen opportunity to meet the Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance and Political branches of the UN-Afghanistan in Islamabad. Written evaluations of this workshop indicate a high level of satisfaction and in many cases immediate self-reported changes in attitude and positions (see Appendix Two 'Written evaluation by participants'). Constructive suggestions were made for improvement of the workshop
Partners: Afghan University and TRANSCEND
4) Peace Journalism Workshop offered on Feb. 23, 2001 in Peshawar, was attended by 85 individuals, including Afghan intellectuals, writers and journalists.
Partners: The Afghan University, TRANSCEND.
5) A daylong workshop on the contribution of NGOs to peace building offered on Feb. 24, 2001 in Peshawar was attended by 32 individuals from 25 organizations.
Partners: Cooperation for Peace and Unity (CPAU), Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief (ACBAR), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and TRANSCEND.
6) Extensive meetings with Afghan peace organizations were held in Peshawar both in Oct. 12-24, 2000, during Dr. Weera's Field Trip to Pakistan and from February 8 to 28, 2001 during the team's Field Trip to Pakistan. Meetings were held with NGOs, Afghan social and political groups, office of the UN Special Envoy, the Canadian High Commission and representatives of the former King of Afghanistan.
7) Development of psychosocial model of peace education and conflict transformation has begun by training given by Dr. Weera in March 1999 and fall of 2000 and were followed by seminars and workshops on February 16 and 27, 2001 in Peshawar. These workshops and seminars focused on hatred, prejudice, hostility, anger, grief and interpersonal problem solving. Participants in the first workshop were 21 female teachers of the girl school supported by the Society of Afghan Women (including Mrs. Fatana Gailani, President of the latter). Written and oral feedback was extremely encouraging and included suggestions on wider delivery of such training to more Afghans. Participants of the workshop on February 27 were 17 men and women from eight Afghan and international NGOs (CPAU, ACBAR, Afghan's Muslim Women Organization, Sanayee Institute of Education and Learning, Cooperation Center for Afghanistan, Agency for Rehabilitation and Energy Conservation in Afghanistan, Afghan Development Agency, DACAAR). Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. All participants, with no exception, suggested more workshops and the use of mass media to benefit more Afghans. Feedback from participants was extremely positive.
Partners: Afghanistan Women Council CPAU
Feedback from Afghans who attended Peace Education Workshops
1) Feedback from over 100 Afghan politicians, intellectuals and influentials (Peshawar, Pakistan February 2001):
"This workshop has given us strong hope for a peaceful future by showing how to peacefully resolve conflicts, achieve reconciliation and reduce prejudice and discrimination. More of these workshops are needed for all classes of the society inside and outside Afghanistan including Taliban and the Northern Alliance. Training of Afghans in mediation and negotiation skills is crucial."
[ A.K. SIEAL]
"I would like to congratulate you on the most successful workshop and skilful interpretations and coaching of the workshop in three languages of Pashto, Dari and English. "Professor Galtung is truly the world Father of peace. I pray that he lives longer and healthier life to serve humanity with his creative methodology of making peace … I missed not a single instant of the workshop." "As a dedicated Afghan Dr. Seddiq Weera really deserves the highest commendation from us all. I wish there were more Afghans abroad to serve the legitimate cause of peace and reconstruction of our country…"
[ J.K.H., CDAP, UNDP]
"It has been a very interesting workshop and I learned a lot. More workshops of this kind are needed. "Professor Galtung is really the top authority in the field of peace and I hope that he and his good friends continue their assistance and guidance of Afghans."
[S. Afghan Aid]
"The workshop was very useful with beneficial experiences and information (presented to us). I suggest a 30-member, representative "Core Peace Group" that then gets adequate training to pave the way for peace."
[A.M. Previous Acting Minister of Communication]
"I hope that peace activities like this workshop continue, on a regular basis through the future. Follow-up activities should take place out of a Core Peace Group/center/orbit based at the Afghan University. This group should also include honest, knowledgeable and impartial Afghans and representatives of UN, EU, OIC, African Unity Union, some neutral countries and McMaster University. This center will then work toward removing hatred, achieving unity, and coordination of peace initiatives."
[A.K. Afghan University]
"I suggest such workshops continue in partnership with the Afghan University."
[M.R. Afghan University]
"I find your analysis of the role of big countries in the world politics new and interesting"
"All participants will tell you that they found the workshop useful. It is quite a success, and a surprise to me that participating political leaders reported a positive change in their views and attitudes. This is encouraging because these individuals can play key roles in bringing peace. It is important to educate those who are close to political power. Education and raising awareness of all Afghans should be undertaken through similar workshops and the use of radio, TV and written media, school curricula and training the trainer approaches. These workshops can prove conducive to restoration of the lost trust among Afghans. Effort should be made to have representatives of the Northern Alliance and Taliban take part. One way to reach Taliban may be to bring some peace experts who are also Islamic scholars. We at Research and Advisory Council of Afghanistan need material on prejudice and hatred reduction that Dr. Weera presented and help with research methodology."
[N.A.E. RACA]
"I found the workshop useful in reduction of anger and prejudice. I appreciate the tireless work of Dr. Weera and his perfect and intelligent choice of Professor Galtung as a peace expert to help Afghanistan. I hope that the Canadian government continue supporting Dr. Weera's effort in bringing peace to Afghanistan."
[K.M.G. Care Afghanistan]
"Your group can be of great help in guiding Afghan mediators through a Pakistan-based permanent representative of Professor Galtung (in or about Afghanistan)."
[R.M. Mujahid Lawyers Association]
" This workshop was a thoughtful and sincere effort and should be repeated to benefit more Afghans, including Taliban and the Northern Alliance."
[S.W.]
"The workshop was very useful because it created an atmosphere for understanding and took us out of our hopelessness to thinking and creativity. Professor Galtung's and Dr. Weera's presence has given us hope that there are people in the world who can help us. Afghans listen to and appreciate experts who are sincere and caring like Professor Galtung. Continuation of this work can best be done through a center at the Afghan University. While we are disappointed with Russia and US, we are still hopeful to North American and Northern European countries to help us without having hidden agendas."
[M.F.]
"Workshop was extremely useful, timely and well thought-out. I suggest continuation of this process to include establishing a Center for Peace Studies at the Afghan University and training of effective mediators. It is vital for your group to retain its political impartiality and constructive role."
[N. DACAAR]
"I am not aware of any other event where Afghan issues are discussed so peacefully and in this detail. This workshop was very useful and valuable. Instead of peace education only, it will be more useful if practical steps are taken to bring peace into Afghanistan."
[Q.M. Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Islam of Afghanistan]
"I praise the care and hard work of Dr. Weera who from another end of the world is still thinking of helping his country and people. This workshop has given me hope that there are still people who have the heart and mind to assist Afghanistan. More of similar workshops are needed for educational institutes inside and outside Afghanistan. Dr. Weera and Professor Galtung should be supported and encouraged to continue their good work."
[M.N.Q. GTZ-BEFARE]
2) Feedback from Afghans attended Psychosocial approaches to Peace-building (Peshawar, Pakistan February 2001):
"Your effort is worthy of praise and reflecting your love and responsibility for human. This teaching, for the Afghan nation who struggles in political imprisonment, jealousy and inferiority has a vital value. We especially need this training for the leaders who have caused the problems. We need to encourage change from within, however, should not forget to do something to end the on-going horror in Afghans lives."
[N.A.N. February 17, 2001]
"Thanks for talking to us openly. We Afghans have rarely the chance to talk to people who really understand our suffering. In my view, gatherings and communications as such if continued will yield best results. I suggest that you continue working with schools and social service organizations. You may consider training some key individuals who then can transfer this knowledge to the rest."
[R. February 17, 2001]
"I appreciate your precise diagnosis and effective therapy for our social problems. In my view, prejudice, hatred and misinterpretations provide the medium for external interferences. Given the day-do-day application of this training, I suggest that it be continued, without interruption, for as long as needed. To suite multiple audience, various versions of this training need to be prepared and offered to teachers, community leaders, writers, workers etc. To reach the leaders and wider range of the people this training should be disseminated through radio (BBC or a separate small radio station for this and similar purposes), TV, Internet, and written media. Individuals with more influence such as tribal leaders, educators, writers and politicians should get the training first."
[M.B.]
"Your lecture was very useful. We hope to receive a written document on these topics so we can transfer the learning to our students. I also hope that these kinds of workshops continue."
[Anonymous]
"Linguistic, political, religious and ethnic prejudices have caused us major miseries. We use overgeneralization and exaggeration in viewing each other while forgetting that we can pursue a healthy competition instead. Expression of feeling while people are traumatized and many lost their family members is not a common practice."
[Anonymous]
"Yesterday's seminar was really useful and valuable. I suggest that such seminars be continued and written documents be distributed so we can transfer the learning to our students. I have used some of my learning in class because I am facing some problems with students."
[R.L.N. February 16, 2001]
"Topics presented on political prejudice, negative thinking, grief, anger were scientific and applicable to Afghan situation. I suggest a book of such concepts be published and made available for wider use."
[M. (February 2001)]
"I found presentation of yesterday extremely useful. We can use this learning in our work to avoid hurting others or ourselves for small issues. We can also transfer this knowledge to our students so they can study better and become a healthy future-generation."
[ Sh. February 2001]
"Topics covered yesterday, prejudice, negative thinking, anger and grief were useful because linguistic, religious and ethnic prejudice is a problem in Afghanistan. It will be more beneficial if these concepts are made available as a book."
[M. February 17, 2001]
"Minds of our people are occupied by prejudice, negative thoughts, anger and grief. This problem is further compounded by not knowing how to solve our differences and conflicts peacefully. Yours and your colleagues' efforts, if continued should prove fruitful. M.S. February 17, 2001 (Original # 2.10) It was an extremely useful seminar. I benefited from it and shared what I learned with my family members. I suggest continued workshops, conferences and seminars particularly in schools. A written version of the issues discussed should be made available for wider use."
[H.H.]
"Topics covered were very informative and it will benefit more people if more of such workshops are held and written material is made available."
[Z. February 17, 2001]
"Your lecture was very valuable and practically useful. I hope it could be provided to wider groups such as students and written material are made widely available."
[N.Y. February 2001]
"You have really understood the main problems of our people. Due to long-term exposure to devastating situations, addressing these issues will require lots of patience and persistence. You are bringing a light of hope in the lives of Afghans, which is occupied by darkness. We will do whatever it takes to help you, just let us know."
[N.M. February 2001]
"Your discussions were valuable and worthy of appreciation. The problems of our community are so big that one workshop and one person is going to take too long to address even the bigger ones. We need teams of trained individuals to provide such awareness to all. Getting rid of prejudice and anger will prepare us to successfully resolve our essential problems."
[Z.B. February 17, 2001]
"The fire of revenge is burning throughout the country. You work is good, especially if provided to larger groups such as students and teachers and to public through interviews etc. You need to prepare more examples to serve a broad range of audiences."
[A.R.]
"Factors such as financial insecurity, unemployment, life in refuge and social injustice result in many emotional and social problems. People live in constant fear."
[D.J.]
"Work should be done on both prevention and solution to our (psychosocial) problems. Material covering such topics in layman language should be prepared to allow everyone to benefit from this information."
[A.]
"We find this workshop very useful and feel the impact immediately on our view of self and others · The topic covered deals with our everyday problems and issues occurring in all families, workplaces and communities · Printed material needs to be produced and made widely available · Field staff of NGOs, community leaders, religious leaders and scholars and village/community Shura members should be invited to Pakistan to attend such workshops and apply their learning right in their work · Various versions of these materials need to be produced to suits all ages, all groups and classes of Afghans · All NGO staff without exception need to be exposed to such training in short-time · We will pass the learning to others · These concepts should be taught in schools through BBC and VOA, Dramas and other mass media and through books for the elite."
3) Feedback from NGO representatives (Peshawar, Pakistan February 24, 2001):
"An NGO-parliament for Afghanistan was mentioned as a way of exercising more role for NGOs in peace-building."
"Peace-education and mediation to become part of NGO mandate (requires that all NGO staff are trained in conflict transformation and peace-building)"
"NGOs to deal with governments and the United Nations based on the basic needs of the people, that is: 1. survival; 2. well-being (food, water, clothing, shelter, health and education); 3. freedom to choose their faith; and 4. right to identity · Given the negative connotation of the word NGO, use 'Peoples Organization' instead."
Future Plans
Project Number One:
BUILDING NATIONAL CONSENSUS AND PROMOTING REGIONAL COOPERATION: A process involving peace education, dialogues and mediations
Goals of this project are:
1. To facilitate development of a Peace and Reconciliation Platform by assisting Afghans to identify the root causes of divisions and conflicts in their society and begin to plan solutions
2. To establish a viable and functioning Peace Coalition for Afghanistan
3. To promote regional cooperation aimed at supporting peaceful resolution of the Afghan conflict and strengthening economic cooperation and stability in the region
Project Number Two:
STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITY OF THE AFGHAN UNIVERSITY: Education for Peace
Goals of this project are: McMaster and Queen’s Universities (Canada), TRANSCEND (Norway) and Agha Khan University (Pakistan) will work together to:
1. Contribute to peaceful living in Afghanistan by strengthening the capacities of the Afghan University in peace education and research
2. Contribute to the health of the Afghans and rehabilitation of Afghanistan by enhancing capacities of the Afghan University in pedagogical approaches, action research methods and mental health
Project Number Three:
STRENGTHENING PEACE-BUILDING CAPACITIES OF THE CIVIL SOCIETY: Building Peaceful Societies
Goal of this project is: To promote peaceful living by enhancing capacities of Afghan civil society in peaceful resolution of conflict and reduction of ethnic and religious hatred and prejudice.