Vol. 3(5) May 2016
Status of peace education content covered in the upper
primary school social studies curriculum in Kenya
Onyango Margaret S.K., Wamutitu Joseph Mworia* and Wambugu Patriciah W.
Peace Education in Kenya is one of the programmes in
the primary school curriculum initiated by the Ministry of Education in February
2008. Peace Education is aimed at preparing learners to deal with contemporary social
challenges in society. Peace Education Programme (PEP) is integrated into comprehensive
programme of substantive peace education contents and pedagogy. Peace Education
aims at empowering learners with problem-solving skills, ability to address conflicts
peacefully, and thus promote tolerance for diversity, cultural differences and human
dignity. Although pupils in Kenyan primary schools are expected to receive their
Peace Education through primary school social studies curriculum, the approach seems
not to provide pupils with necessary knowledge, skills and development of attitude
and values conducive for social transformation. This implies that promoting peace
is a major challenge in Kenyan primary schools and the society at large.
This study therefore sought to determine Peace Education contents covered through
the School Social Studies Curriculum (SSC) in terms of objectives of Peace Education.
The study adopted exploratory research design. Data was collected through content
analysis using Peace Education Objective Analysis Matrix (PEOAM). Descriptive Statistics
frequency, mean and percentage were used to analyse data with the help of Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study revealed that Peace Education Content
covered through the primary school SSC in terms of objectives of peace education
is of average status but below 50%.
The findings of the study may be of great value to all stakeholders in the education
sector namely; the school administrators, teachers and pupils to provide a peaceful
learning environment in their schools, curriculum developers at Kenya Institute
of Curriculum Development (KICD) in ensuring Peace Education contents are well infused
in Social Studies Curriculum. It may also assist parents, general public and the
church in emphasizing the need for Peace Education and reduce violence among the
people.
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