As a teacher, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine of lesson planning, grading papers, and teaching classes. But every once in a while, something happens that reminds us of why we started down this path in the first place. For me, that reminder came during a recent class with one of my students in Ukraine.
During our virtual class, one of my students was absent, and another student joined instead. Their parent appeared on the screen to greet us, and when I asked how they were doing, they shared with us the recent attack on their apartment building in the center of Ukraine. I don't know if it was a rocket or a bomb, but the building directly in front of theirs was hit, and many of the neighbors' windows shattered. They were lucky compared to the other apartment building nearby, where 23 people died, including 5 children.
Despite the constant alarms, many people were getting used to them and didn't go to the shelters. But now, each alarm sends them outside. The parent said that our classes give their child something to look forward to, and they are so grateful that they give them a little break. In the end, I played a movie for the student, and the parent was incredibly grateful.
It's easy to forget about the little things that we often take for granted - a peaceful night's sleep, a safe home, and the opportunity to learn and grow through education. But for many people around the world, these things are not guaranteed. The people of Ukraine are weathered, battered, shattered, and worn-out due to unrest, violence, uncertainties, and volatility in their region, but their fearlessness and hopeful stand are inspiring.
As a teacher for peace, I'm reminded that education is a powerful tool for creating a more peaceful world. Through education, we can give people the skills and knowledge they need to build stronger communities, advocate for human rights, and work towards a brighter future. It's important that we continue to support and uplift each other during these difficult times, and to work towards a world where everyone can live in peace and security.
At Teachers for Peace, we believe that education is the key to building a more peaceful world. We are committed to supporting educators and students around the world, and to advocating for policies and programs that promote peace, justice, and equity. Together, we can make a difference and help create a brighter future for all.