Peace has been promoted at St Albans Secondary college over the last month, as part of a Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) program.
HWPL is an international peace organisation focused on peace education and international law, working for peace in partnership with the United Nations in various countries.
In Victoria, HWPL engages in multicultural events and educational programs to foster understanding and harmony.
St Albans Secondary College, which boasts a diverse student body, with over 53 nationalities represented, the majority from non-English speaking backgrounds, was identified as a perfect school to run the program.
The program sets out to focus on principles of peace and conflict resolution, and supports the overall well-being of students and prepares them for positive community engagement.
St Albans Secondary College teacher Simon Lynch said the benefits the course had on students was invaluable.
“The HWPL peace education program has had a tremendous impact on our students. It has provided them with tools to understand and manage conflicts, and we have seen a noticeable improvement in their confidence and communication skills,” he said.
Nathan, a student at the school said he learned self-awareness, leadership and also listening.
“The roles are very important, they are needed in life. For example, you need leadership and self-awareness to help others,” he said.
“You can be aware of your surroundings and you can take advantage of it. I’ve learned about myself that sometimes in games I can show a certain level of leadership. I also learned that sometimes I can listen really deeply. I learned to trust people.”
After the success in St Albans, the program will soon launch at other school’s in Melbourne’s west, starting with Victoria University Secondary College and Truganina P-9 College.
