Solutions
The Peace Initiatives Institute (Pii) has developed an approach to building peace by teaching young children the value of respecting – and including – others who are different from themselves.
What distinguishes Pii is its research-based, measurable strategy, called Media Initiatives For Children (MIFC). MIFC combine the extensive use of mass media aimed at very young children with customized classroom curricula to reinforce the media themes and teaching materials. MIFC help shape children's values and, ultimately, their perspective and actions as adults. While primarily focused on young children, MIFC also positively influence teachers, parents, older siblings, and other adults throughout the community.
Each MIFC is developed and launched at the grassroots level with significant input from local partners, ensuring that it reflects the local culture and is sensitive to the entrenched beliefs of the adult community in any particular culture. Pii brings together community groups that may not traditionally work together who participate in on-the-ground research, advisory councils, and on creative and implementation teams.
Results are measured by evaluating the children's awareness levels and willingness to include others who are different before and after exposure to the MIFC, realizing that the ultimate success of our initiatives will be less violence in future generations. |