Gbagada Peace Education Initiative (GPEI)
Theme: “Building Bridges, Not Walls: Educating for Peaceful Coexistence”
1. Introduction
Gbagada, a culturally diverse and densely populated suburb of Lagos, Nigeria, represents a
melting pot of ethnicities, faiths, social classes, and generations. While this diversity holds
potential for vibrant coexistence, it also presents risks for misunderstanding, friction, and
occasional conflict.
In response, the Gbagada Peace Education Initiative (GPEI) is envisioned as a
comprehensive, grassroots-driven peace education program that fosters a culture of
tolerance, dialogue, empathy, and proactive conflict transformation. The program blends
pedagogical and andragogical methods, ensuring that peace is learned, lived, and passed on.
2. Goals and Objectives
Overall Goal: To nurture peaceful attitudes, behaviors, and systems among individuals and
groups in Gbagada through inclusive, continuous, and transformative education.
Specific Objectives:
To inculcate values of empathy, non-violence, cooperation, and cultural respect.
To equip individuals with practical tools for peaceful conflict resolution.
To foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
To promote civic awareness and collective responsibility.
To create safe spaces for youth engagement and leadership in peace-building.
3. Target Groups
Children and Adolescents (Ages 6–18)
Youth and Young Adults (Ages 19–35)
Parents and Guardians
Teachers, Religious Leaders, and Community Influencers
Traders, Artisans, and Transport Workers
4. Key Program Components
1. Peace Education Curriculum
Understanding Diversity and Identity
Emotional Intelligence and Active Listening
Conflict Resolution and Dialogue Skills
Gender Equity and Respect
Civic Duties and Peaceful Coexistence
2. School-Based Peace Clubs
Peace-themed art and writing competitions
Conflict resolution games and simulations
Peer mediation activities
Peace Day Celebrations and Campaigns
3. Youth & Adult Peace Forums
Non-violent activism
Digital peace and responsible media use
Peer pressure, cultism, and domestic violence
Human rights and social inclusion
4. Community Mediation Council (CMC)
Mediate disputes within homes, markets, and public spaces
Offer training on restorative justice
5. Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogues
Highlight shared peace values
Reduce religious bias
Collaborate on community development
6. Arts for Peace Initiative
Murals, poetry, and music festivals
Photo exhibitions and short films on unity
5. Pedagogical and Andragogical Principles
A. Pedagogical Principles (Children and Adolescents)
Learning Through Play and Expression – Using art, games, and drama to teach conflict
resolution.
Scaffolding and Guided Discovery – Gradual knowledge-building with teacher support.
Modeling and Reinforcement – Teachers and facilitators exemplify peaceful behavior.
Collaborative Learning – Group work to build teamwork and empathy.
Moral and Civic Development – Instilling values that promote societal harmony.
B. Andragogical Principles (Adults and Young Adults)
Experience-Based Learning – Drawing on participants’ life experiences.
Relevance-Oriented Content – Addressing peace challenges relevant to daily life.
Autonomy and Self-Direction – Encouraging independent thinking and problem-solving.
Problem-Centered Approach – Solving real-life community conflicts.
Respect and Mutual Learning – Promoting equality between facilitator and learner.
6. Implementation Strategy
Phase 1: Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Mapping
Phase 2: Capacity Building and Training
Phase 3: Roll-Out and Pilot Programs
Phase 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Scaling
7. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Indicators:
Conflict reduction in schools and public spaces
Improved behavioral patterns among youth
Increased participation in peace clubs and forums
Positive case studies from mediation efforts
Methods:
Surveys and direct observation
Focus group discussions
Feedback from teachers, religious leaders, and residents
8. Sustainability Measures
Establish a Gbagada Peace Resource Centre
Encourage local volunteer engagement
Form partnerships with government, NGOs, and faith groups
Integrate peace education into schools and religious teachings
Fundraise through peace festivals and creative community events
9. Expected Impact
Stronger communal bonds among Gbagada residents
Reduction in violent incidents and improved dialogue culture
Youths and adults as peace ambassadors in their neighborhoods
Safer schools and public spaces
A replicable peace education model for other Lagos communities
10. Conclusion
Peace is not merely the absence of war—it is the presence of justice, dialogue, equity, and
empathy in daily life.
The Gbagada Peace Education Initiative dares to imagine a community where young
children resolve differences through dialogue, where elders mediate with wisdom, and
where faiths and cultures coexist with mutual respect.
Through education—both formal and informal—we will cultivate a generation that not only
understands peace but lives and spreads it. Let Gbagada become the model of peace, unity,
and progress in Lagos and beyond.
