The vital role of teachers in peace building

Uzma Dayan

There was a time, when living in comfort was the sole dream of mankind. They were struggling towards making this dream come true. One way that could make it possible was achieving progress in science and technology.  Ultimately the dream dawned into reality. Over the past few decades, advances in science and technology not only improved living standards of mankind in both developed and developing countries, but also enabled progress towards internationally agreed development goals. In spite of these achievements, a great majority of people all over the world could be seen suffering internal psychological conflicts that ultimately result in external social conflicts in one way or the other. The marvels of modern technology have given us enormous power over the forces of nature, yet the ultimate question is: ‘Are we in peace?’  The answer is: ‘No’.

In today’s world, all the endeavors of mankind are revolving around bringing peace; both inward and outward.  But first we must ask ourselves:  ‘Are we serious in bringing peace?’ If the answer is in affirmative, we must analyze our role in the struggle for bringing peace. As a citizen, as a professional, or as a head of an organization, are we striving towards achieving peace or adding to conflicts? If we evaluate our attitude critically, we will get to the bottom that we are actually adding to war and not peace. We are living in a world of paradox.

On the one hand, we are afraid of war, on the other hand, we prepare for it. One example in this respect is the over use of social media for unnecessary political discussions.

Every second person is found using social media as a channel for expressing political views. No matter whether the person is related to that area or not but projecting one’s political beliefs is important for one. Every person whether a doctor, an engineer, a teacher or a lawyer would seem an expert of politics on social media.

On the one hand, it keeps one mentally and physically engaged all the time; on the other hand, it creates conflicts among people because people especially of our region never get ready to take another person’s point of view. As a result, conflicts emerge. Such conflicting situations and disagreements among people on daily basis not only leave people in a dismal state but give rise to negative emotions such as hatred, bias and prejudice. These negative emotions result in chaos and anarchy that ultimately destroy a nation’s strength.

This is why our country is suffering today. People, especially the educated, are now a prey to the overuse of social media. It shows that almost every educated person is playing his/her role in creating chaos, anarchy, prejudice and bias in this country.

Since political philosophies are deeply rooted in the past events, some characters are always associated with it. These characters; sometimes, prove to be the most influential figures in people’s lives. Hence a deep regard and adoration for these figures is normal by their fans and admirers. But the fact cannot be denied that societies are always in constant need of reconstruction.

The first step towards it could be rethinking old philosophies especially political and educational. In this regard, novelty should be welcomed if it is based on someone’s subjective experience. It should be critiqued not criticized. Unfortunately, most of us do not try to understand but criticize. We regard political leaders as gods and force others to glorify our leaders and demonize others. Sometimes, one needs to be open-minded to understand someone else’s point of view by giving up ‘you are wrong’ type-behavior and by putting aside one’s personal political philosophies and affiliations.

The most regretted in this regard is the part played by teachers whose job is otherwise: To play the most influential role of building peace and harmony. Unfortunately, teachers in Pakistan are found actively involved in politics in one or the other way. A survey of teachers’ posts on social media would reveal that a great majority of them share political posts, irrespective of their areas of specialization or expertise.

This is evidently true about university teachers who have put their areas of expertise aside and politics on the top priority. Being the citizen of a democratic country, a teacher, too has to be educated in terms of politics and political institutions but it might not hamper his/her role as a teacher. It is good for a professor in the disciplines like Political Science, Pakistan Studies, History and International Relations. They can enlighten people about what is happening around and what people need to know. As an expert, they can share their expert opinion on certain contemporary social and political issues.

University professors must address their area of expertise. Their duty is to enlighten people about what is new in their respective fields. For example, a doctor should educate people about basic health issues, problems and its solutions. Similarly, an educationist must throw light on educational issues.

No teacher needs to be a politician. Instead of giving suggestions to the Prime Minister, the President and other institutions, a teacher must realize that his/her role too is not less than a leader.

They can influence learners’ identities, model and impart values of mutual respect and tolerance, and teach the skills required for civic participation and employment. Teachers hold the potential to assist peacebuilding in important ways.

A teacher whether school, college or university is a chief agent of change.  Educational institutions such as schools, colleges and universities are states for its teachers.

As a classroom teacher, he/she is the leader. He/she can make it an ideal place by playing proactive and optimistic role. Similarly, college for its head; any university department for its chairperson, and the university for the Vice Chancellor is a mini state. This mini state could be made an ideal place by running its affairs in an honest way or in a way that we desire our political leaders to run our country. The role of a university is to train citizen not to be trained by them; to influence not be influenced; and to share novelty not to bring and flourish archaic philosophies and theories. The curricula of teacher-training institutes must add content on tolerance, acceptance and social harmony to promote mutually agreed religious literature (Nayyer, 2016) Teacher educators need to adopt the tools of critical inquiry in their own research, as well as in teaching others.

Besides, the negative emotions like bias and prejudice need to be treated. In this regard, the syllabi at primary and secondary could be used as a tool. As a first step, the content that carries a sort of hatred for a particular minority group, country or religion needs elimination. For example, our text books explains it a number of times that how Pakistan and India were/are enemies, it idealizes and glorifies all battles fought between them, but does not offer any suggestion for a more cooperative and friendly relationship.

Similarly, content on sportsmanship needs to be included. We need to explain it to our children that a cricket match between Team Pakistan and Team India is just a cricket match whereas winning or losing are a part of every sport. It is a common observation that a war of abusive and derogatory words is no sooner waged on social media by the common man as well as certain newspapers against India if Team Pakistan wins. Our syllabi must teach that victory of any team is to be appreciated.  The losing team must not be humiliated by taunts and disgusting comments.

Reading culture needs to be promoted so that youth may not waste its time by using social media. For this, libraries should be established in every town or village with the assistance of provincial and National governments and/or local government. We can create peace in our own home, our own surroundings and that will help permeate the world no matter how big or how small we might think it is. It is not small at all. Love for all hatred for none!

The writer is a faculty member at Institute of Education and Research, University of Peshawar.

uzmadayan@uop.edu.pk