Peace studies paper goes to schools

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 6

Peace studies paper goes to schools

PA Wellington A pamphlet describing peace education has been prepared two years after the Roper report recommended its definition be outlined. The March, 1987, Ministerial Committee of Inquiry into Violence, labelled the Roper report, said the title \ “peace studies” was ambiguous and the public should be informed of what it meant. Now the Education Department has produced a pamphlet, “Partners in Peacemaking,” which has been distributed to schools. The distribution on to parents is being left up to schools which are able to get more copies from the department. The department’s Schools Resources Division said there had been a heavy demand from schools for the pamphlet. About 20,000 copies had been sent out two weeks ago and another 2000 had been requested. The education officer for special projects, Dr lan Bassett, said he was not sure of the reason for the delay in producing the pamphlet but it had gone through careful vetting, with input from teachers, some community groups and education officials. The department wanted to make sure the wording was clear and accurate, he said. Dr Bassett said the tone of the pamphlet was aimed at demonstrating that parents and teachers were in the same business.

They could work together to assist young people develop a sense of responsibility, concern for others and other qualities. Peace studies became an election issue in 1987 and that had a detrimental effect, Dr Bassett said.