January 30 is celebrated in Spain as the School Day of Peace and Non-Violence, a day that promotes fundamental values such as tolerance, mutual respect, solidarity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. This date, which coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mahatma Gandhi, has become a key occasion to promote education in values in the classroom.
Origin and meaning of the School Peace Day
The School Day of Peace and Non-Violence was established in 1964 by the Mallorcan poet and educator Llorenç Vidal. Its aim was to raise awareness in the educational community about the importance of building a society based on peace and mutual understanding. The choice of 30 January as the commemorative date is no coincidence, as this day commemorates the assassination of Gandhi, a world icon of non-violence and the fight for justice.
UNESCO officially recognised this initiative in 1993, consolidating its celebration in numerous countries. In Spain, it has become a key event to promote the culture of peace in the educational field.
The figure of Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy
Mahatma Gandhi is a central figure in School Peace Day. His philosophy of non-violence, known as “ahimsa,” and his focus on peaceful resistance to injustice have inspired generations. Gandhi firmly believed that conflicts could be resolved without resorting to violence, and he dedicated his life to fighting colonialism, discrimination, and social inequalities.
In classrooms, Gandhi is often talked about as an example of how individual actions can have a positive impact on society. Teachers take advantage of this date to reflect with students on the power of empathy, the importance of dialogue and the need to work together to build a more just world.
School activities to celebrate Peace Day
Schools in Spain organize a wide variety of activities to mark the School Day of Peace and Non-Violence. These activities aim to involve students in promoting peace and help them understand how they can contribute to a more harmonious environment. Below are some of the most common initiatives:
1. Murals and posters
Students participate in the creation of murals and posters with messages of peace and solidarity. These artistic works are displayed in the school hallways and courtyards, transforming them into visual spaces that transmit positive messages.
2. Reading texts and poems
Readings of texts, poems and quotes from leaders who have promoted peace, such as Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. are held. These readings are an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace and non-violence.
3. Symbolism of peace
Many schools organize activities around symbols of peace, such as the dove or the white ribbon. For example, students can make crafts with these symbols or wear white clothing as a sign of commitment to peace.
4. Conflict resolution dynamics
Workshops and games are held to teach children how to resolve conflicts peacefully. These activities encourage dialogue, active listening and respect for the opinions of others.
5. Collective acts
In many schools, the day ends with a collective event where manifestos are read, peace-related songs are sung or human chains are formed. These activities reinforce the sense of community and joint commitment.
Peace as a cross-cutting value in education
School Peace Day should not be seen as an isolated celebration, but as part of an ongoing effort to integrate values education into the school curriculum. Peace, tolerance and non-violence are cross-cutting values that can be addressed in different areas of learning, from social sciences to arts education.
For example, in history classes, students can learn about peaceful movements that have changed the course of humanity. In literature classes, they can analyze works that address issues of social justice and solidarity. Even in science classes, students can discuss how international cooperation has been key to solving global problems, such as climate change.
The impact of School Peace Day
School Peace Day has a significant impact on the development of students. By participating in activities that promote non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution, children and young people develop essential social skills, such as empathy, effective communication and the ability to work as a team.
In addition, this day helps to create a positive school climate, in which all members of the educational community feel valued and respected. This, in turn, helps to prevent bullying and other negative behaviors.
Challenges and opportunities
Although School Peace Day is a valuable initiative, it also faces certain challenges. One of them is ensuring that the activities carried out during this day have a lasting impact and are not limited to just one day a year. To achieve this, it is essential that the values of peace and non-violence are integrated into the school culture on a permanent basis.
Another challenge is adapting activities to different educational stages and cultural contexts. For example, while younger children may enjoy playful activities, secondary school students could benefit from discussions and research projects on peace-related topics.
On the other hand, School Peace Day also offers a unique opportunity to involve families and the wider community. By organising events open to the public, schools can broaden the reach of this celebration and foster a collective commitment to peace.
The School Day of Peace and Non-Violence is much more than a commemorative day; it is an invitation to reflect on the importance of building a more just and harmonious world. Through meaningful activities and the joint work of students, teachers and families, this date becomes a catalyst to promote the culture of peace in all areas of society.
In a world marked by conflict and inequality, the message of the School Peace Day is more relevant than ever. By educating the new generations in the values of tolerance, respect and solidarity, we are laying the foundations for a more hopeful future.