The Congolese school as a driver of peace? An analysis of the attitudes of secondary school teachers in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Authors

  • Justin Sheria Nfundiko Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB) et Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB)
  • Line Kuppens University of Amsterdam et KU Leuven
  • Arnim Langer KU Leuven

Keywords:

Peace culture, Peace education, post conflict, reconciliation, DR Congo, Kivu

Abstract

Marked by decades of conflict, peace remains fragile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the eastern Kivu provinces. Since schools constitute an appropriate environment to transform the persistent culture of violence, this article examines the attitudes of 1 642 secondary school teachers in Goma and Bukavu toward peace education. Regarding Civic and Moral Education (indirect peace education), teachers are optimistic, though the curriculum presents peace in an abstract manner. The acceptance of corporal punishment also remains concerning. Direct peace education addressing recent conflicts is more divisive: While most support it, teachers in Goma show reluctance because of persisting insecurity. When to introduce direct peace education, if ever, then becomes a central question.

Author Biographies

Justin Sheria Nfundiko, Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB) et Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB)

is an Associate Professor at the Université Officielle de Bukavu and Université Catholique de Bukavu. His research focuses on the role of education in consolidating peace. justinsheria@uob.ac.cd

Line Kuppens, University of Amsterdam et KU Leuven

is an Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam and visiting fellow at the Centre for Research on Peace and Development, KU Leuven. Her research focuses on peace education. l.kuppens@uva.nl

Arnim Langer, KU Leuven

is a full professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for Research on Peace and Development (CRPD). arnim.langer@kuleuven.be

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Published

2025-02-04

How to Cite

Nfundiko, J. S., Kuppens, L., & Langer, A. (2025). The Congolese school as a driver of peace? An analysis of the attitudes of secondary school teachers in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill. Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/9944

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