These are some of the first few weeks in which we started IFP. In this time, I am beginning to learn what IFP truly is about, openly discussing and expressing ideas on what peace is about, how to promote it, and how we can also lead curriculums that express these views. As time goes on, I believe my knowledge will continue to grow on what we are truly accomplishing in IFP and how we are able to develop our understanding of peace. Shown on the left is some of the work we were able to do in our first session, brainstorming what we thought IFP was, why we chose to join it and then discussing it what it actually means to be a part of the IFP activity.
Another activity that we did in the second session was a lego building activity where we all had different aims to complete but were unable to discuss with each other as we silently built our lego tower. This was challenging because at certain times we had conflicting interests and this caused conflict within the group and made the process slower. However, overall I believe we were quite successful in the task because we were very patient with one another, and were self-aware of the tasks that others also needed to complete.
Additionally, in the next sessions, we learned about what conflict is and how we can prevent wide-scale conflict. Some conflicts are necessary for life and not all conflicts have to relate back to violence. We also learned that violence, itself is found in many forms and we can sometimes hurt people without thinking. Through this activity, I think I’m learning a lot more about peace and conflict and ways in which we can implement what we learn here in our daily lives.
This year, I hope through active communication and collaboration with others, I will be able to expand on each other’s learning because I wholeheartedly believe in what we learn, and the impact we can potentially have at the end of this learning process.
Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, I had to leave IFP halfway through G11 but I will try and remember everything we have learned thus far in being a peacemaker.