The Upper East Regional Peace Council hosted a program at St. John Bosco College to educate teacher trainees on counter-narratives against violent extremism and hate speech. Using comic books, the initiative encouraged students to promote peaceful messages and resist radicalization. The event was part of a broader project aimed at engaging future educators in community safety and peace advocacy.
The Upper East Regional Peace Council has conducted a sensitization program at St. John Bosco College of Education to address violent extremism and hate speech among teacher trainees. By utilizing comic books as educational tools, the program aimed to equip students with insights into the manipulative tactics of extremist groups and encouraged them to promote peaceful, factual narratives as countermeasures.
The program highlighted the dangers associated with violent extremism and the importance of resistance against radicalization, urging students to adopt peaceful conflict resolution strategies. Students were encouraged to become proactive peace agents, fostering safe discussion spaces on relevant issues to deter exploitation by extremist groups.
Part of the Atlantic Corridor project funded by Norway, Australia, Germany, and Denmark through the UNDP, this initiative sought to empower future educators in combating extremism within their communities. Mr. Ali Anankpieng, Executive Secretary of the Peace Council, emphasized the collective responsibility in fighting extremist ideologies and the crucial role of teachers in guiding the younger generation.
Proactive measures were discussed, with Mr. Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga from the Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons urging students to report illicit arms possession, noting that small arms proliferation contributes significantly to violence and instability. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kingsley Kanda underlined the necessity of community vigilance, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities to prevent potential attacks.
Additionally, Mr. Seth Okang from the Narcotics Control Commission warned against drug use, illustrating the severe legal consequences associated with it. Engineer Michael Atayire, Student Affairs Officer, expressed gratitude to the Peace Council for addressing these essential issues, affirming that this sensitization fosters a peaceful environment for academic pursuits.
In conclusion, the sensitization program organized by the Upper East Regional Peace Council effectively equipped teacher trainees at St. John Bosco College of Education with the necessary tools to combat violent extremism and hate speech. By creating awareness about the manipulation tactics of extremists and promoting non-violence, the program has paved the way for the students to emerge as proactive agents of peace and active community members.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
