4.7 Towards achieving peace

Life orientation

Grade 9

Good health and social development

Module 29

Towards achieving peace

Activity:

To reflect on and discuss the contributions that different religious and faith groups have made towards achieving peace

[lo 2.5]

Building a peace tree

Learners will need the following:

• One large dry branch from a tree
• White distemper or PVA paint
• Paintbrush
• A container in which to anchor the branch
• Clean building sand to fill the container
• Some water to dampen the sand so that the branch will stand firmly in the container

Per learner:

• A sheet of white A4 paper
• A pencil and writing materials
• A pair of scissors
• A piece of fishing-line or white thread or wool (30 cm long)

Learners are divided into groups of 4 to 6.

The groups identify different faiths or religious groups in their community or in the country and name the ways in which these groups have contributed to peace in South Africa. Learners may also identify groups in other countries and mention what they do to promote world peace.

Each member should then select one faith group and research the way in which the specific group is attempting to achieve peace in the world. Newspapers, magazines and the Internet are ideal sources from which to glean information.

Learners then attempt to summarise the peace message of the group in one or two sentences. This message is then written on a dove of peace.

How to make a dove of peace:

Use a sheet of white A4 paper. Trace the shape of the dove using the template. Fold the paper along the diameter and punch a hole on the spot that has been indicated, using a paper punch or a sharp object. Thread a piece of fishing-line of 30 cm in length through the hole and make a knot along the upper end. Write the peace message neatly on the outside of the dove. Write the name of the faith or religious group in brackets at the end of the message.

All the paper doves are then strung up on the dry branch. Learners are encouraged to read each other’s messages. The tree should remain in the classroom for the rest of the year as part of the classroom décor.

Hint: More classes in the school could participate in this project and the “peace trees” could be exhibited in the school hall or foyer on special occasions such as World Environment Day

(5 June).

Assessment