Students learn about conflict<\/p>\n
Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Amid widespread conflict in the country, a non-governmental
\norganization and the city education agency held what they called
\na peace education program for senior high school students around
\nthe city to teach them how to deal with differences and conflict.<\/p>\n
The three-day program, which was initiated by the Action
\nResearch and Training Institute and participated in by 250
\nstudents, was opened at the Cibubur camp site in East Jakarta on
\nWednesday.<\/p>\n
\"Our teenagers have witnessed many kinds of conflict in the
\ncountry, including bloody conflicts in Maluku and Aceh. The
\nprogram will open up their minds about conflict so they know how
\nto deal with it properly,\" said Indriati, an adviser of the
\ninstitute.<\/p>\n
Although the subjects are relatively serious, the students
\napparently enjoyed the program due to the engaging teaching
\nmethods used. The subjects were introduced through a number of
\ngames, which managed to draw their attention.<\/p>\n
During the three-day program, the students were divided into
\nseveral groups. Each consisted of about 20 students, who had
\ndifferent social backgrounds.<\/p>\n
They had to live together in several tents during the program.<\/p>\n
\"Interacting with people who have a different way of life,
\nfaith or thinking to mine makes me understand that I have to
\nrespect differences,\" said Yadi, one of the participants.<\/p>\n
On the subject of conflict, the mentors put them in a conflict
\nsituation. Soon, they became involved in heated debate. However,
\nwith the guidance of the mentors, they were able to resolve their
\ndifferences.<\/p>\n
\"I learned that conflict can occur anytime. It can grow
\nunless we are able to solve it in a rational manner,\" said
\nSofian, 17, another participant, who said that he enjoyed the
\nprogram.<\/p>\n
\"I think that conflict should be solved through dialog instead
\nof violence,\" added Atri, 18.<\/p>\n
Deputy principal of high school SMU 9 Pono F said that the
\nprogram was beneficial to the students as they were taught about
\nhow they should deal with differences and conflicts between
\npeople.<\/p>\n
\"This method is relatively good for the students during the
\nholidays. As it is presented through games, the students get the
\nmessage easily. However, the results cannot be seen instantly,\"
\nhe said on the sidelines of the program.<\/p>\n
The program was devised for two sessions, with each
\nparticipated in by 125 students. The first ended last Friday
\nafternoon, while the second was scheduled to start soon.<\/p>\n
Indriati acknowledged that peace education, which had been
\ndeveloped by the institute based on a UNESCO program, was a long-
\nterm program.<\/p>\n
\"These students are expected to become trainers in similar
\nprograms at their schools. The point is that the students can
\nthen teach their peers about peace,\" she said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/students-learn-about-conflict-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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