School Peace Clubs
Building a generation of peacemakers
The School Peace Clubs programme establishes student-led peace clubs in junior and senior high schools across Northern Ghana. Each club is trained in traditional conflict resolution techniques adapted for the school environment, including peer mediation, restorative circles, and dialogue facilitation.
Objectives
- Equip 5,000 students with practical conflict resolution skills by 2027
- Reduce school-based conflicts by 40% in participating schools
- Train 200 teachers as peace education facilitators
- Develop a nationally recognised peace education curriculum
Programme Overview
Launched in 2019, the School Peace Clubs programme represents the Institute's flagship educational initiative. Working in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and individual school administrations, we have established active peace clubs in 47 schools across the Northern, Savannah, and North East regions.
Curriculum
The programme employs a structured 12-week curriculum that introduces students to the principles and practices of traditional conflict resolution. Topics include: the philosophy of restorative justice, active listening and empathetic communication, the role of community elders in peacemaking, peer mediation techniques, and conflict analysis frameworks drawn from indigenous knowledge.
Activities
- Weekly club meetings with structured discussion topics
- Peer mediation training and practice
- School-wide peace awareness campaigns
- Inter-school peace debates and essay competitions
- Community service projects linked to peace themes
Impact
Independent evaluation of the programme (2024) found a 35% reduction in reported conflicts in participating schools, with 82% of trained peer mediators successfully resolving at least one dispute. Teacher surveys indicated significant improvements in classroom behaviour and student cooperation.