Report on the 2008
International Institute on Peace Education
July 28 – August 4, 2008
Haifa, Israel
“Critical Pedagogy: Educating for Justice and Peace “
Click here to download the IIPE 2008 Program Click here to download the IIPE 2008 Flyer
Introduction
The International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) 2008 took place from July 28 to August 4 in Haifa, Israel hosted by the Jewish-Arab Center and the Center for Research on Peace Education (CERPE) of the University of Haifa and the Center of Critical Pedagogy of Kibbutzim College of Education. The event was co-organized by the above hosts and the Peace Education Center at Teachers College, Columbia University in partnership with Global Education Associates.
Theme
Critical Pedagogy: Educating for Justice and Peace
IIPE 2008 explored the theme of “Critical Pedagogy: Educating for Justice and Peace.” It inquired into issues of dialogical education for social change and the intersection of peace education and critical pedagogy, relating to the question of what kind of peaceful society we are striving for. Peace Education in Israel has concentrated mostly on the Jewish-Arab conflict. Various names have described it: education for co-existence, Jewish-Arab encounter, dialogical groups, neighbors, living with the other, etc. In groups where Palestinians and Israelis sit together and discuss their relationships the historical narratives are often learned. In other parts of the world, however, peace education is called by different names according to the political constraints of the region.
The 2008 IIPE examined the complexity of peace education issues in an unequal society. It explored goals of equal education, schooling despite the pressure of violent conflict, economic justice, the challenges of environmental violence, structural violence, and ties of politics and education. The IIPE core inquiry focused on the concept of education for a culture of peace and the social change needed to achieve it. Participants examined the link between local-regional problems, global issues, and universal developments, and looked for ways to address them in education. Relevant sub-themes included the relationship between social violence and armed conflicts; issues in education that most affect marginalized populations such as the poor, women, migrant workers, and people with disabilities; the need to raise awareness of global environmental justice issues, small arms control, nuclear threats, poverty, first–third world power relations and the global campaign against sex trafficking. The IIPE explored innovative ways and educational strategies to enhance social critical consciousness and methods of activism through education.
