Students and Peace Club animators during the Peace Retreat and Inter School Programme organised by Peace Channel at Vision Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima on December 4.
Chümoukedima, December 5 (MExN): The Peace Channel organised a Peace Retreat at Vision Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima on December 4, bringing together students from various schools for a day of learning, reflection and fellowship.
The programme began at 10:30 a.m. with a song led by Aben, Peace Club Teacher Animator, followed by an invocation from Sungjemren. A round of self-introductions created an inclusive atmosphere among the participants.
The retreat featured a talk titled “What Christmas Means to Me” delivered by Ajungla Rachel, and a special song was presented by Ngapman. To energise the gathering, Lipok facilitated an ice-breaking session encouraging interaction and teamwork.
Addressing Peace Club members, James Phanungkiu, Project Coordinator and Trainer of Peace Channel, highlighted the significance of introducing Peace Education in school curricula. He stated that Peace Education is an approach to learning that nurtures essential values, knowledge and skills to promote harmony within oneself and with others. It teaches respect, empathy, conflict resolution, non-violence, cooperation and appreciation of diverse cultures, qualities that help students engage peacefully, address differences constructively and contribute meaningfully to a more just and compassionate society.
James said that in the diverse context of Nagaland, Peace Education is vital for shaping responsible and compassionate young citizens and strengthening a positive learning culture.
In pursuit of this goal, Peace Channel is preparing to submit a proposal to the Nagaland Board of School Education and the Department of School Education for the formal adoption of Peace Education in schools. At the higher education level, NEISSR has already integrated peace education, conflict transformation and fundamentals of peacebuilding components into its BSW and MSW programmes under Nagaland University.
James also delivered a Christmas message, reminding students that the season should not revolve around materialism or entertainment but should inspire self-reflection, forgiveness and reconciliation, which he said are central to Christ’s teaching and peacebuilding.
The retreat continued with an action-planning and evaluation exercise led by Teresa, who divided the participants into four groups. Each team worked on a white chart to outline an action plan for meaningful Christmas celebrations that their Peace Clubs could undertake. The groups later presented their ideas in a brief sharing session.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Aben, followed by a benediction prayer offered by Akami, Animator of Peace Channel.
