Gender dimensions to the promotion of peace education in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A case study of peace club initiative (PCI)

Abstract

The focus of this study was to assess the peace club initiative (PCI) in Niger Delta, to determine how far the goals of PCI have been achieved in the schools, the activities of the PCI especially in gender dimensions, challenges facing the PCI in schools and strategies for improvement. Peace Club Initiative was established in 2009 in the secondary schools located in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. However, the scope of this study covered only the schools in Rivers State where Peace Club Initiative has been established. Based on the purpose of the study, ten research questions were stated to guide the study. Questionnaire and interview were used to elicit information from the sampled 32 members of the PCI in the schools. Out of 27 such schools, only 15 were visited for the purpose of this study. Out of the 15, nine were functional and six were no longer functional. The findings also indicate among others that the students and teachers were quite enthusiastic about PCI and peace-building, but lack ideas and other resources to run it effectively; peace camping, peace training and training on gender issues were the main activities of the club; lack of fund and facilities were the main challenges facing the club; incorporating peace education in the school curriculum, youth empowerment and change of societal perception on role of women were the main strategies for improving the Peace Club Initiative. From the result of the findings, it was recommended that awareness creation on peace education and gender dimensions at school and societal levels; skill acquisition for youths; capacity building for teachers; provision of resources and teaching peace and gender issues as school subjects at all levels would be more effective in promoting non-violent conflict resolution and peace in Niger Delta, Nigeria and the world as a whole.