Teaching peace through children’s park
THERE is no escape from all the racial conflicts in which children and even adults should cope, thus, it is important to keep in one’s mind to respect diversity and allow children to play with their peers for them to distinguish and understand differences, characteristics, language and customs.
A Children of Peace Park was constructed at the North Cotabato Provincial Capitol in Amas town last 2015 to serve as breeding ground for children’s harmony despite their differences. The park, which was designed by Ray Mudjahid “Kublai” Millan, intends to advocate values formation among children. It was formally opened last month.
Provincial administrator Aurora Garcia said creating an environment that is rich in possibilities for exploring diversity would help children develop their ideas about themselves and others. She added that it will also create the conditions under which children start conversations about differences and for adults to set activities that will build the people as one.
“Nawawala yung biases and prejudices among children and adults, as well. The children are there at the park to have fun. The parents, who accompanied other children at the park, will also have the chance to get along with each others despite their differences,” Garcia said.
The park is packed with plants, flowers, grasses and trees. It has symbols of peace such as candles, a nipa hut (bahay kubo), playground for children and anything that would picture the life of the Muslims, Indigenous People (IPs) and Christians who are living in harmony.
Garcia also said that adults and elders should also learn to understand their differences. She added that if adults will continuously misunderstand things and tell their respective children, “we are not like others,” this will only bring a message that they cannot get along with others which is not true.
“From there, having this park, hopefully the children will have a better understanding to each other until they get older. It is like uniting the Cotabateños na rin. Everyone is welcome. Everyone has the chances and opportunities. Everyone is equal whatever races one came from,” Garcia said, adding that they also hold a three-day summer camp for children.
Garcia said a child's age is one of the most important factors in considering how to begin a discussion about matters dealing with prejudice, discrimination or more simply, the things that make people different. She added that it is also important to keep in mind that it is never too early or too late to talk to children about respecting one’s civilization.