In a call for societal transformation, retired schoolteacher and unionist Susana Tuisawau has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive peace education strategy in Fiji. Speaking at the inaugural IWPG Peace Conference in Suva, Tuisawau expressed that such an initiative should span all levels of society, bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding from infancy through adulthood. Highlighting Fiji’s rich array of cultural values and customs, she asserted the necessity of tailoring peace education to suit the unique needs and issues inherent in each country’s cultural context.
Tuisawau’s perspective aligns with a wider movement across the Pacific, emphasizing the crucial role of education in cultivating peace and understanding within communities. Similar sentiments were echoed at the same conference where IWPG regional director Grace Jang advocated for increased female involvement in peacebuilding, framing education as a vital tool to empower communities and foster peace from the grassroots level.
The dialogue around peace education in Fiji also ties into broader national efforts aimed at reconciling historical grievances, specifically those related to past political upheaval. Political leaders and educators have consistently pointed out the need for truth and reconciliation frameworks to address issues of division, and the potential establishment of a Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been proposed as a step towards healing deep-seated societal wounds.
Furthermore, there is a call for integrating moral education and the promotion of cultural identity within the educational curriculum. This approach is seen as vital for nurturing a more inclusive and understanding society, recognizing that a peace education framework must resonate with and incorporate the cultural and spiritual dimensions of Fijian life.
These combined efforts reflect a collective resolve to address societal challenges through education, promoting an empowering environment that encourages collaboration among various societal sectors. By cultivating a culture of peace, Fiji aims to not only address current challenges but also to lay the groundwork for a more harmonious and unified future.
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