Mozambique: Peace education creates pathways out of domestic violence
How can peace be created and lived – in a time marked by violence and conflict? The Peace Club in Maputo impressively demonstrates how students can find ways out of domestic violence and bullying through peace education.
As every week, students gather at the Khandlelo Peace Club to talk about their experiences with violence and bullying. In Mozambique, violence is part of everyday life for many children, both at home and at school. Poverty, entrenched social norms, a lack of protective structures, and alcohol and drug use exacerbate the situation. Girls and young women are particularly affected, and many are no longer willing to tolerate it.
More than knowledge transfer
This is precisely where the Peace Club of Khandlelo, a long-standing partner organization Terre des Hommes comes in. For many years, Khandlelo has been supporting children and young people in breaking free from the cycle of violence and strengthening their self-confidence – through role-playing, sports activities, and individual counseling, among other things. The project demonstrates that education means more than just imparting knowledge – it strengthens social skills, self-confidence, and respectful interaction.
Students aged 10 to 14 regularly participate in workshops on conflict management, peace education, and dealing with alcohol and drug use. In the Peace Clubs, they are trained to become peace ambassadors in a playful and age-appropriate way. They learn to recognize violence and bullying and to resolve conflicts non-violently. If a dispute arises, classmates can turn to them directly.
The Peace Club not only teaches methods of violence prevention, but also creates a safe space where children can talk about their own experiences of violence within their family or circle of friends. To better cope with their worries and fears, the children and young people receive regular psychological support and counseling.
"As a peace ambassador, I am learning to avoid and prevent violence and bullying and to treat others with respect."
The project's impact is already noticeable: Trained peace ambassadors support their fellow students in everyday school life, helping them to resolve conflicts peacefully. Conflicts are more frequently resolved through dialogue, and respectful interaction is becoming increasingly natural. Many children and young people now feel more self-confident, safer, and empowered in their rights – and are experiencing that peace can begin on a small scale.