Peace Education

Cultivating Peaceful Schools, Empowered Learners, and Restorative Communities

At SADRA Conflict Transformation, we believe that peace begins in the classroom. The Peace Education Program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at building a culture of peace in schools across the Western Cape and beyond. By equipping learners, educators, and school leaders with practical tools for conflict resolution and restorative practice, SADRA fosters learning environments rooted in dignity, accountability, and nonviolence.

Why Peace Education?

Many schools in South Africa face daily challenges with interpersonal conflict, discipline, bullying, and systemic violence. SADRA responds by working alongside.

High School Learners

Teachers and School Governing Bodies (SGBs)

Principals and administrative teams

Community and religious leaders

Together, we build peace from within the education system—shaping a generation of young people who understand conflict transformation, dialogue, and justice.

Program Components

Peer Mediation Training

We train and support learners to serve as peer mediators—students who are empowered to help resolve disputes among their peers peacefully. These mediators gain skills in:

Active listening
Nonviolent communication
Mediation process design
Confidentiality and neutrality

Peer mediation reduces violence, improves relationships, and helps students take ownership of creating a positive school climate.

Restorative Practice for Educators

SADRA trains school staff and leadership in restorative practices as an alternative to punitive discipline. These practices focus on:

Repairing harm rather than assigning blame
Building accountability and empathy
Facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties
Strengthening school community trust

Restorative circles, dialogue sessions, and reintegration processes help address both behavioral challenges and systemic issues in constructive ways.

Whole-School Engagement

The Peace Education Program takes a whole-school approach that aligns learner behavior, classroom culture, and leadership practices with the values of peace. This includes:

School-wide workshops
Parent and SGB engagement
Integration into school policies and codes of conduct

Measurable Impact

Through the Peace Education Program, SADRA has:

Trained over 1,000 peer mediators across schools in the Western Cape

Supported over 50 schools in implementing restorative practices

Reduced suspension rates and conflict escalation in partner schools

Strengthened learner confidence, leadership, and social-emotional learning

Our Partners

This program is made possible through collaboration with:

Mennonite Mission Network

District education authorities and local schools

Faith-based partners and civic organizations

Get Involved

Together, we can transform conflict into collaboration—building communities that are safer, stronger, and more united.