Zambia has taken a big step toward sustainable peace through peace education.
This is after The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light HWPL launched the Peace Education during an Implementation Proclamation at Lusaka Boys Secondary School.
The event gathered approximately 200 participants, including educators, local government officials, students, civil society members, and media representatives.
Hosted by the HWPL an NGO in consultative status with the UN ECOSOC, and co-organized by the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Provincial Education Office (PEO), and the Headteachers’ Association of Zambia (HAZ), it marked the beginning of institutionalized peace education in the country.
The day began with the “Clean Up, Crime Down!” Peace Street Campaign, co-hosted by the Lusaka City Council. Students and locals cleaned downtown Lusaka, sharing the message that a clean environment helps build a peaceful society.
During the main ceremony, the Peace Education Roadmap for Zambia was officially introduced. Two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed: one between HWPL, DEBS, and HAZ, and another between HWPL and 11 representative schools in the Lusaka district. As a result, these 11 zonal schools were formally designated as HWPL Peace Academies.
The DPCW Article 5 Peace Monument at Lusaka Boys Secondary School was unveiled as a commitment to embedding peace in educational institutions and local communities. Leaders from DEBS, PEO, HAZ, and HWPL jointly proclaimed their goal of building a crime-free Lusaka through education.
The ceremony featured powerful speeches from key education leaders.
Mr. Terry Changwe, Lusaka Provincial Education Officer, stated:
“By embedding peace education into our schools, we are nurturing a generation that values harmony and mutual respect. Peace begins in the classroom—every school can become a center of transformation.”
Mr. Ian Miyoba, Lusaka District Education Board Secretary, praised the collaboration, saying:
“This initiative reflects our collective commitment to fostering a culture of peace through education. Peace can be taught, learned, and lived.”
The second half of the program highlighted Zambia’s rich cultural heritage, featuring student performances of traditional music and dance. Notably, students from the Peace Club of Chibolya Secondary School — one of the first schools in Zambia to sign an MOU and complete HWPL’s Peace Teacher Training last year — took part in the performances, demonstrating their deep engagement with peace education. A special performance was also delivered by B’Flow, President of the Zambia Association of Musicians, under the theme “One Zambia, One Nation.” His songs addressed the message of unity and peace that resonated with both youth and educators.
Daniel Yoo, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL Global 08, remarked:
“Zambia’s commitment to peace education not only sets a powerful example for the world but also demonstrates the transformative power of education. By empowering students with tools for peaceful coexistence, Zambia is shaping a future where understanding, cooperation, and respect define every community.”
Participants reaffirmed the vital role of education in fostering peace and expressed strong commitment to expanding peace education across the country. HWPL Zambia plans to continue promoting a culture of peace through education, intergenerational dialogue, civic engagement, and policy collaboration.
