Education helps reconciliation in conflict zones Wednesday, 08 December 2010 01:44

By Fazeena Saleem

DOHA: Education for children in conflict zones and the link between education and reconciliation was a special feature of the second WISE summit. The subject came under discussion at a breakout session — ‘Education and Reconciliation.’

Emphasising every child’s right to education, this session discussed the process, challenges, success and difficulties of education and reconciliation in the post-conflict zones.

“Education is central to shaping conflict transformation,” said Prof. Bradon Hamber, Director, The International Conflict Research, University of Ulster(UK). Prof Hamber, who has an experience in post-conflict zones, especially in Ireland said many studies have proved that education supports reconciliation in post-conflict zones. “More than 500 studies have proved inter group contact typically reduce prejudice.

Educating the young generation through a curriculum on human rights, and dangers of prejudice helps, he said.

The Peninsula