why hope project has value to offer?

peace education

is an approach to education that aims to promote a culture of peace by teaching skills, values, and attitudes that contribute to peaceful behaviour, conflict resolution, and respect for human rights. It is based on the belief that education can play a vital role in preventing violence, promoting social justice, and building sustainable peace.

In the Balkan region, peace education emerged as a response to the conflicts and wars that took place in the 1990s. The wars in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosovo highlighted the urgent need for education programs that promote tolerance, nonviolence, and intercultural understanding.

After the conflicts ended, various international organizations, such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), implemented peace education programs in the region. These programs aimed to address the root causes of the conflicts, promote dialogue and reconciliation, and foster a culture of peace and nonviolence.

Nowadays, ethnic tensions are again rising with the most recent example the tension between Serbia and Kosovo over the issue of the car plates. In Bosnia, the system is criticised for perpetuating ethnic divisions and hindering progress. Tensions between the different ethnic groups continue to simmer, and there are concerns about the potential for violence. In Montenegro, tensions have been exacerbated by political polarization and the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegrin politics.

History is usually used as a weapon in order to exacerbate tensions. Historical grievances between different ethnic groups in the region can contribute to rising tensions. The legacy of past conflicts and the failure to address issues such as war crimes and the rights of minorities can create ongoing tensions and divisions. However, history can provide examples of peaceful coexistence.

For example: In Serbia, Vinča civilization from the Neolithic period (5000 b.c.) is such an example. It was a time of 2000 years without wars or any other big armed conflict. The Vinča culture is considered one of the most important prehistoric cultures in Europe, and it is known for its distinctive pottery, figurines, and other artifacts. In Greece, the Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete during the Bronze Age (c. 2700-1420 BCE). They were known for their impressive palaces, frescoes, and writing system, and they engaged in extensive trade with other Mediterranean cultures. It is a significant example of a peaceful civilization that flourished in culture and trade ant though war.

In the project the partners will be encouraged to conduct research that will bring more examples from far or recent history, short or longer period of peace and non-violent societies / communities that can serve in the methodology of the project.