What is Peace? What is Conflict? In th is act ivi ty, the participants will define the
natures of peace and conflict and understand that these can take many forms.
M at e r i a l s Needed
t i m e r e q u i r e d : 4 0 m i n u t e s | i NT E ND E D F O R G R A D E S 6 - 8
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» Newsprint and markers » Sheets of blank paper, one for each participant » Pens or pencils, one for each participant » Copies of handout 1, “Six-Step Problem-Solving”
Activity Steps Di s t r ib u t e a s h eet of blank paper and a pen or pencil to each participant. Ask the participants to draw images and pictures of what comes to mind when they think of the word “conflict.” Ask them to draw at least two or three images.
I n v it e t h e pa rt ic ipants to pair off to share and explain their drawings.
G at h e r t h e pa rtic ipants into a large group and brainstorm as many different words
or phrases that can be associated with the word “conflict.” Write the words and phrases on one side of a sheet of newsprint, but do not discuss them yet.
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A s k t h e pa rt ic ipants to draw representations of the word “peace.” Again, ask them to
draw two or three images.
I n v it e t h e pa rt ic ipants to pair off again (with someone new) and share their
drawings.
G at h e r t h e pa rtic ipants into a large group and brainstorm as many different words
or phrases that can be associated with the word “peace.” Write the words and phrases on the other side of the sheet of newsprint.
R e v i e w t h e r e s ults of the two brainstorming sessions and then initiate a large-group discussion using the following questions: » Which ideas surprised you? Which ones were new to you? Which ones don’t belong? » What is the difference between “conflict” and “violence”? » Is conflict always physical in nature? »G ive examples of types of conflicts other than physical ones (for example, verbal disagreements, lawsuits, spreading nasty rumors, excluding people).
Di s t r ib u t e a c opy of han dout 1 and introduce the structured way of resolving
interpersonal conflict as noted on the handout.
Di v id e t h e pa rt ic ipants into groups of four or five. Invite the groups to create
role-play scenarios to demonstrate how conflicts can be resolved using the Six-Step ProblemSolving approach. For example: 1. Someone in class starts a rumor about you, and now your friends are not talking to you. 2. Everyone in your class has been invited to a party except for the new student.
I n v it e t h e gr o ups to perform their role-plays.
C o n c l ude b y a sk in g the part i ci pants to join you in prayer. Pray for the end of
violence and conflict throughout the world. Pray for those parts of the world currently involved in conflict. All government leaders will work toward peace and justice. Pray for peace within families and communities. Pray for peace within all hearts.
(This activity is adapted from Susan Fountain, Education for Development: A Teacher’s Resource for Global Learning; London, England: Hodder and Stoughton Publishing, 1995. © 1995 by Hodder and Stoughton Publishing. All rights reserved. Used with permission.) Copyright © 2010 by World Vision, Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716, wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved.
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Handout 1
Six-Step Problem-Solving 1 . I DENTI FY NEE D S
What do you need (or want)? Each person in the conflict should answer this question without blaming or accusing the other person or persons.
2 . DEFINE THE PROBLE M
What do you think is the problem here? Come up with a response that includes the needs of both parties but does not blame. Others in the group can help with this, but the persons involved in the conflict must agree to the definition of the problem.
3 . BRAI NSTOR M LOTS OF SOLUT IONS
How might you solve this problem? Come up with as many possible solutions as you can. Anyone in the group may offer a response. These should be written down and received without comment, judgment, or evaluation. The aim of this step is to come up with as many potential solutions as possible.
4 . EVALUATE THE SOLUT I ONS
Would you be happy with this solution? Each party in the conflict goes through the list of possible solutions and says which ones would or would not be acceptable.
5 . DECI D E ON THE BEST SOLUT ION
Do you both agree to this solution? Is the problem solved? Both parties must agree and acknowledge their efforts in working out the solution.
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6 . CHECK TO SEE HOW THE SOLUT ION IS WORK ING
Let’s talk to each other again soon to make sure the problem is really solved. A plan is made about how to evaluate the solution. The evaluation may take place in a few minutes, an hour, or the next day or week, depending on the nature of the conflict and the age of the persons involved.
Handout 1: Permission to reproduce is granted. Š 2010 by World Vision, Inc.
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About World Vision W o r l d Vi si o n is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people.
We envision a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. We know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. World Vision is unique in bringing nearly 60 years of experience in three key areas to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. We bring our skills across many areas of expertise to each community where we work, enabling us to support children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
About World Vision Resources E ndi n g g l o b a l poverty and injustice begins with education: understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world.
World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision. World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty, inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources to make a difference in the world.
For more information about our resources, contact: World Vision Resources Mail Stop 321 P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 Fax: 253-815-3340 wvresources@worldvision.org
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