Social Emotional Learning for Peace

Abstract

Teaching peace is a means to education rather than an end in itself. Therefore, making peace education always relevant. To educate is to prepare young humans to live sustainably and not just excel academically to form future workforce. The virtuous cycle of peace education requires not only self understanding but also valuing other person’s thoughts and emotions. This can be done through the medium of social emotional learning. Social Emotional Learning helps in achieving emotional intelligence which paves the way for peaceful coexistence. Peaceful nations come from peaceful societies and to build a peaceful society, individuals need to be at peace with themselves. For this, one needs to achieve social harmony and emotional understanding of self as well others in order to live their life upto fullest potential and capability. Amid rising cases of poor mental health and increased crimes, peace needs to be restored at all levels. Social Emotional Learning must acquire a centre stage in academic curriculum to nurture compassionate individuals, making peace more relevant and natural to follow.