Transform.Ed Briefing #55

Inside the Briefing: Moving minds with the art and soul of building peace

Jan 25, 2024

It struck a chord in our hearts every time we saw humans facing barbarity at the hands of humans. From the plight of Syrian refugees and the destruction of Ukrainian cities to the setbacks for Afghani women and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza - all have led to deplorable loss of human lives, dignity, and rights. Parallel to this, we are witnessing an alarming rise in discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech.

Peace may seem to have eluded us, but it hasn’t. In the words of Kofi Annan, peace may indeed be a complex challenge, a painfully slow process, but it is in our hands. Learning and teaching based on human rights, dialogue, solidarity, and equity can be our pathway to building lasting peace.

Last week, we asked our readers about the primary challenges they face in centering education for peace in their teaching practice. The absence of a safe learning environment was a unanimous choice. As we attempt to rethink and reimagine our education systems and practices for fostering peace, how can we provide a safe learning space for learners to speak up and have an open, inclusive dialogue with each other without the fear of judgment?

Share your thoughts and experiences with your global peers in the comments below or join the conversation on the Global Citizenship Foundation’s Educational Leadership Community, exclusively dedicated to educators worldwide. If you haven’t signed up yet, please get in touch with us here.

IMPORTANT: We have an exciting opportunity to share with all our readers. The CQUniversity in Bundaberg, Australia is offering a scholarship-based PhD under the guidance of Dr Karena Menzie-Ballantyne. The applicant is expected to undertake a study related to the prioritization of global citizenship education in the region and perhaps the relationship of this with the Revised 1974 Recommendations. For further details, get in touch here. Apply soon before applications close on February 09!

With this carefully-curated edition of Transform.Ed Briefing, you can explore featured articles, stay informed about latest education policies, participate in our weekly poll, discover global events, indulge in a recommended movie, enhance your skills with professional development opportunities, enrich your knowledge with our book recommendations and stay on top of finding exciting job opportunities!

As a first-generation learner and educator, I understand the value of inspiring educators in the lives of learners; the most inspiring educators I've encountered in life are those who never stop learning. Together, let's embark on this incredible journey of learning and transforming education for human and planetary flourishing! Subscribe to Transform.Ed and be at the forefront of shaping the many futures of education!

In service of education and visionary education leaders,

— Aaryan Salman
Director-General
Global Citizenship Foundation