Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, has successfully held the “DPE-HWPL Peace Education Teacher Graduation Ceremony” in Maseru, Lesotho, in collaboration with the Development for Peace Education (DPE), a local civil society organisation focused on peace education initiatives.
The ceremony, held on March 13, brought together 51 teachers who completed a structured peace education programme, alongside officials from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), education stakeholders, and community leaders. In total, approximately 74 participants attended the event, which highlighted growing cooperation between government institutions, international organisations, and local civil society in promoting peace-based education in Lesotho.
According to organisers, the initiative aims to integrate peace values into the national education system by equipping teachers with tools to guide students toward conflict resolution through dialogue, mutual respect, and emotional understanding. DPE Coordinator Mr. Tsepo Valentine Ntutu Mosoeu said the partnership with HWPL has introduced renewed hope within the education sector, adding that the programme focuses on transforming educators so they can nurture what he described as “peace citizens” capable of resolving disputes constructively.
Lesotho’s Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Ntoi Rapapa, also addressed the ceremony, noting that sustainable peace requires more than institutional reform and must be supported by value-based education. He emphasised the importance of early peace education, stating that children must be taught non-violence from an early age to prevent cycles of conflict, and expressed support for integrating such programmes into the national education framework.
Principal of Ribaneng High School, Mrs. Puleng Nkaleche, shared a personal reflection on the importance of peace education, stating that her experiences of loss within the school community had deepened her commitment to creating a safer and more supportive learning environment. She added that the introduction of peace education through HWPL’s partnership following the September 18 engagement in 2023 had brought renewed hope and healing to educators and learners alike.
Organisers confirmed that following the graduation ceremony, HWPL and DPE plan to expand peace education programmes across Lesotho and formalise ongoing teacher training initiatives. Teachers who completed the programme are expected to play a key role in promoting peace values within schools, contributing to broader efforts aimed at strengthening social cohesion and sustainable peace in the country.
