Using OPCW as a case for teaching peace

Toril RoksethEducation ManagerThe Nobel Peace Center, Oslo@torilrok

Educational programs at the Nobel Peace Center

• 800 – 1000 school groups every year• Permanent • Temporary• All levels of the education system• Tailored to the national curriculum• Coherent with the center's purpose and values• Based on our exhibitions

• The Childrens Activity• The Childrens Peace Club

Some of our methods

Activate-Challenge-Ask questions-«Show your colours»-Discuss true dilemmas and acknowledge their existence-Gamification-Use space + movements-Simplify complexities

Foto: Johannes Granseth/ Nobel Peace Center

OPCW as case for teaching peace

Talk, don´t shoot!5th to 7th level

Talk, don’t shoot! -Junior High

Combating ChemicalsHigh School

390 school classes have so far visited the exhibition on OPCW

Foto: Paolo Pellegrin / Magnum Photos for The Nobel Peace Center

Discussion starters:

• Why are chemical weapons prohibited?

• What is OPCW and what does a weapon inspector do at work in Libya or Syria?

• What are the rules of war and do they have an effect?

• Is destroying weapons a path to peace?

• What can the international community do when “anyone” can make chemical weapons?

• How have the mechanisms of war changed?

“Chemical weapons are the dark side of chemistry”

Johannes Granseth/ Nobel Peace Center

What is peace? Is it more than absence of war?

Johannes Granseth/ Nobel Peace Center

Should all weapons be prohibited? Alternatives:

•Yes •No, it is meaningless to prohibit weapons •It is more important to prohibit Chemical Weapons than other weapons •Other

Take a stand!

Johannes Granseth/ Nobel Peace Center

Simplify complexities

Hammerich & Frydensberg, Konflikt og Kontakt, Hovedland, Copenhagen 2006

The conflict stairway Polarisation

Open hostilities

Hostile imagery

Discussion is perceived to be 

futile

The problem grows

Personification

Disagreement

Simplify complexities

How to solve the conflict?

•Both parties argue based

on the case in question

•They listen to each other’s

arguments

•They demonstrate the will

to find a solution that both

can live with

•The parties seek help from

a third party

Can peace be learned?Yes. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Johannes Granseth/ Nobel Peace Center