Heritage

Contentsassessment points for peace education based on heritage85Today, UNESCO, the United Nations specialized agency for educational, scientificand cultural issues, carries the task of building peace in its mandate. In the constitutionof UNESCO, the Governments of the States Parties declared on behalf of theirpeople that they believed that ‘since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the mindsof men that the defences of peace must be constructed.’ The wide diffusion of cultureand the education of humanity for justice, liberty and peace were considered indispensableto the dignity of all human beings.From these values, we focus the educational process on a better understanding of today’sworld and the future life choices of students. This implies, among other things,respecting democratic principles, valuing social and cultural diversity and acceptingresponsibility.However, a visit to a historical site of underwater cultural heritage, or the viewingof a film or documentary, is not an antidote to extremist thinking or a disrespectfulattitude. What is more, if pupils are confronted with a discourse that is too moralistic,there is a risk that it will be counterproductive. It is important that pupils do not simplyswallow well-intended lessons, but actively search for topics to learn about. Theyshould not be told what they have to think, but that they have to think for themselves.The next section will explain how to achieve these objectives.My dream is that one day there will be no more wars,that there will be gender and colour equality and thateveryone will be able to receive an education, free ofcharge.Freya, Ireland, 12