BOGOTÁ: HWPL, in collaboration with the Dirección de Relaciones con el Sector Educativo Privado under Bogotá’s Secretariat of Education (SED), conducted the first session of the “Educators for Peace” training program at Colegio Unilatina.
The initiative aims to equip private school teachers with practical peace education methods that can be directly implemented in classrooms while strengthening teacher-led peace culture initiatives within schools.
Colombia has endured decades of armed conflict and social violence, making education an increasingly important tool for conflict prevention and community restoration. In this context, the collaboration between HWPL and Bogotá’s education authorities is being regarded as a significant step reflecting the growing recognition of HWPL’s peace education curriculum within the local education sector.
During the training session, HWPL introduced its “Order of Nature” and “Peace DNA” educational materials. Participating teachers said the program transformed abstract concepts of peace into practical classroom tools that could be immediately applied in educational settings.
Teachers from private schools across Bogotá attended the session and discussed the importance of peace education and its relevance in schools. Participants emphasized that helping students understand their roles within a community and develop nonviolent conflict resolution skills aligns with the educational needs of Colombian society today.
The discussions also highlighted the evolving role of teachers, not only as instructors but also as key figures in shaping student relationships and fostering a positive school culture.
Nicole, a social studies teacher at Magdalena Bilingual School, said the program’s focus on helping students recognize their self-worth and role within the community was particularly impactful.
“What stood out to me most was the emphasis on helping students recognize their own value and understand their role within the community,” she said.
She added, “I believe peace is built through everyday interactions with students, not through abstract concepts, and I want to begin applying these ideas in my classroom immediately.”
The “Educators for Peace” program will continue over four consecutive weeks, with additional sessions scheduled for May 14, 21, and 28. HWPL plans to conduct quizzes and feedback sessions after each class to evaluate participants’ understanding and encourage teachers to apply the lessons directly in their classrooms.
The organization also announced plans to establish an ongoing school-based peace education network centered on participating educators.
