The educators, guidance counsellors, and administrators who participated in this year’s Character Day Bahamas Educator workshops have been imparted with the knowledge and skills to foster more peaceful environments empowering them in their crucial roles.
Peace is a fundamental precondition for social and economic development. Without peace, societies are often plagued by conflict, violence, and instability, which can hinder progress and result in the loss of lives and resources. (UN Sustainable Development Goals).
“The theme, “Peace Begins with Me,” reminds us that each individual has the power to make a difference. Events encouraging peace are not just important but essential in a world often marked by conflict and division,” said Jemia Pratt-Rahming, workshop facilitator and school counsellor. “We came into 2024, hearing about many violent acts, so the PACE (Providing Access to Continued Education) Foundation decided that sharing with counsellors, educators and youth-serving organizations on the importance of teaching peace is essential.”
The Foundation believe that peace to be a mantra for people. They realized that bullying was something that many experience so they offered workshops with supporting materials available on www.characterdaybahamas.org, including peace-building activities and resources. Character Day events and activities are a platform for fostering empathy; breaking down barriers; inspiring action; and encouraging participants to carry the message of peace into their daily lives and community.
Presentations by facilitators Dale Marshall (CMI) and Dr Niambi Hall Campbell Dean included personal peace strategies. Dr Hall Campbell Dean challenged, “Try to inspire the incorporation of character education strategies into daily practice.” A tip she offered was focusing on the awareness of one’s heart and allowing the mind to show the injustice. “Peace is not simply a lack of war or non-violence; Peace means eradicating all facets of injustice. Injustice translates to a child going to school hungry or being verbally or physically bullied or discriminated against. Bystanders contribute to the problem by not standing up or intervening,” she said.
The attendees unanimously agreed to focus on teaching students to coexist peacefully, by emphasizing conflict resolution skills, effective communication strategies, and understanding bullying and its signs. This shared commitment extends to parents, ensuring they too are equipped to identify when their child or another may need intervention, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The VIA Institute on Character (www.viacharacter.org) offers several strategies for using character strengths in the classroom and other aspects of life.
The UN states that bullying is a form of interpersonal violence that can be physical, psychological, or verbal. It can occur in any situation where people interact and can be direct or indirect. Workshop participants’ robust and passion-filled discussions about bullying of all forms affirmed that bullying took place in all aspects of society, including the workplace. A teacher shared that if one goes into the classroom not emotionally healthy, the students feel it.
Role-plays revealed the heightened stress and concerns and provided the opportunity to practice de-escalation strategies. Participants also acknowledged that in the Bahamian culture, verbal violence is commonplace in homes, schools, and the workplace. Recognizing it is a crucial step towards a more productive and positive society, instilling hope, and optimism for the future. They explored the idea that violence can be viewed as control and conflict can be seen as growth.
Good verbal communication for de-escalating violence focuses on how one expresses their words. Tips include speaking calmly to demonstrate empathy without being patronizing; monitoring one’s volume by not raising one’s voice; and minding one’s inflexion – how spoken words are emphasized.
Examples of verbal de-escalation include saying, “I see you are upset (instead of “calm down).” “What can I do to help? (instead of I can’t help you).” Why not try “I understand that you feel… (instead of I know how you feel).” Lastly, avoid commands, instead of saying “Come here!” try, “May I speak with you?”
Dr. Hall Campbell Dean advises that there should be no blaming or shaming in a conversation. It is important to reframe our conversations and encourage people to be mindful. Avoid labelling a person. Be intentional and refer to the behaviour. It is best not to say, “You’re a bully,” instead, replace it with, “I see you’re showing bully-like behaviour. Do you want to tell me more about what’s happening?”
Lynette Gibbs-Carey, a third-grade teacher from Claridge Primary School, said, “I feel like the theme “Peace Begins with Me” was fitting. We need peace more now than ever before, and the workshop has enhanced my understanding of peace and how to de-escalate situations. I look forward to sharing with my students and colleagues so they can share it with others.”
The PACE Foundation developed Character Day to build self-esteem among young people nationally. “We envisioned these tools would equip them to make better decisions and, in turn, serve as a prevention mechanism against teen pregnancy. After nine years of programming, it has become a tool for community building, self-love, love of country and peace,” said PACE president Sonia Brown. “Beyond the students, it has positively impacted educators, HR professionals and Hidden Heroes.”
Brown states, “We are extremely grateful for the support of Templeton World Charitable Foundation for funding this important initiative. The Foundation also thanks our project lead, Charlene Carey, and our facilitators for making the event a yearly success. By promoting empathy, dialogue, cooperation and nonviolent problem solving, this event can plant seeds of hope that can grow into lasting societal change.”
More information about the Character Day Bahamas program is online. Nominations of Hidden Heroes, an initiative that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions by promoting peace and empathy, ends on September 30, 2024. It is a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the unsung heroes in the community who are working towards a more peaceful and empathetic society. Visit characterdaybahamas.org for more details.
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