THE proposed integration of Peace Education Module in higher education institutions (HEIs) is seen to address the vulnerability of youth against extremism.
The module, developed by the Al Qalam Institute and Salaam Movement of the Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) will be part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) of the university.
The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) released a memorandum order requiring all public and private HEIs to offer Peace Studies/Education in their respective curricula.
Under the order, it can be offered as a separate subject or integrate with other subject such as history, social sciences, sociology, political science, management and humanities.
Salaam Movement project coordinator Fatima Star Lamanlan said offering Peace Education is timely, since the youth is susceptible to extremism.
"We have learned through our ground works all over Mindanao, that violent extremism is a reality. Our youth is vulnerable," Lamanlan said, admitting a youth like her is prone to it due to the millennials being outspoken and idealistic.
She said her group has findings that recruitments are made even on established universities.
Although her group does not have any figures as of now, she said based on the narratives during their field work, they were able to record a seven-year-old who is reported to be participating in a terroristic activity.
Samuel Anonas, Mindanao State University professor and one of the module's author, said the module will be more interactive and less technical, wherein 4As will be followed: Activity-Analysis-Abstraction-Application.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) peace program officer Fr. Ernesto Estonilo said the module is a welcome initiative to increase workers in the peace monitoring activity.
"In order to reach peace, we must teach peace," Estonilo said.