2004, London: "Citizenship"
Print
EmailThis conference had a particular energy, drawn from the focus on Citizenship in the curriculum. Tony Kempster set the broad issue of peace and community in this context and indicated the strengths as well as the limitations of working within the range of Citizenship.
A choice from three workshops, in both morning and afternoon, allowed for variety. All six workshops were focused on teaching, school and youth.
After a fantastic lunch the video, War No More, was not only a crucial focus in itself but also a provocation to plan a series of lessons using the accompanying booklet. It is a good example of how Peace Education spreads across the Citizenship curriculum.
The participants in the conference came from a wide spectrum: nearly a third were university students; others were teachers, trainers and peace workers. Discussions were pertinent, were focused on the issues and encouraged new initiatives. People were excited by new contacts and the chance to network and buy new materials. "Leaves you wanting more" was enough to encourage the Peace Education Network to organize more conferences and training days.
Workshops
Militarism and Schools
This workshop identified ccasions where the military are involved in schools; the problems raised by that were unfolded and then participants discussed how best to deal with them.
Nuclear Issues
The nuclear issue was dealt with through a practical exercise, allowing for discussion within small groups as well as the whole group. For Abolition of War the group leaders took participants through the legal and political challenges, encouraging group members to see how international structures both impede and encourage change.
School and Community
Led by John Harkin of Oakgrove School, Derry - participants received a whole file of materials used in and about this Integrated School in Northern Ireland. It was an inspiring experience, open to development for many different kinds of partisan community dispute.
Puppetry Workshop and Music Workshop
Both the Arts groups were exciting, the materials usable in many different situations. Puppetry entrances viewers through both performance and story; and the skills can be developed alongside the ideas. Music is possibly the most easily shared of creative arts and can touch the understanding through performance as well as listening. Both workshops were practical and both provided contacts for teachers needing initial help or inspiration.
