By Hafsa Obeng / Christabel Kporvie
Accra, Aug. 25, GNA – The National Peace Council (NPC) has enjoined students to resolve conflicts peacefully and promote tolerance to maintain safe and harmonious school communities.
The Council gave the advice at a school sensitisation programme organised at the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen students’ conflict resolution skills.
Madam Janet Dedei Sarney-Kuma, Director of Capacity Development and Outreach at the NPC, said students should tolerate one another and regard peace as a shared responsibility.
She encouraged the students to lead by example, resolve conflicts peacefully and contribute actively to creating a safe and harmonious learning environment.
“Report early signs of conflict and seek peaceful intervention through the appropriate school authorities” she said.
Madam Sarney-Kuma urged the students to discourage bullying, intimidation and all forms of physical aggression.
She said the public education programme formed part of the Council’s strategies to prevent and resolve conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
Mr Henry Attoh Okai, a staff member of the NPC, reminded the students to abide by the school’s rules and regulations when resolving conflicts.
He said students who were attacked should report such incidents rather than retaliate by hurting others.
“There are rules and regulations in the school. When someone attacks you, you report. You don’t go about hurting them,” he said.
Mr Okai said students had a role to play in maintaining a peaceful and safe school environment.
He advised them not to use self-defence as a justification for engaging in violence when confronted by someone attempting to hurt them.
Mr Okai urged the students to become ambassadors of peace wherever they found themselves and to live peacefully with one another.
The school authorities expressed appreciation to the NPC for the programme, describing it as relevant and timely.
The students subsequently took a peace pledge to serve as peace ambassadors, embrace diversity, practise tolerance and promote peace in their schools and beyond.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporters : Hafsa Obeng/ Christabel Kporvie