Peace

Friday, May 21, 2004

All children are entitled to a safe and peaceful environment in which to grow. But many are denied that right simply because of the environment in which they live.

The powerful influence it has on children often makes it hard for them to choose to accept a non-aggressive approach to settling differences and interacting with those of whom they may not be especially fond.

Two of the many partnership programs in the Detroit Public Schools, are tackling this problem of violence, early on. They are providing students with the guidance they need to learn how to think their way through tough situations rather than resorting to aggression and violence first.

At Thomas A. Edison Elementary, fourth and fifth graders are learning to be peacemakers in the ’Second Step’ program. Its focus is on getting youngsters to think about, develop and practice positive social skills.

There are three study Units in the program: Empathy Training; Impulse Control and Problem Solving; and Anger Management. Students also get to hear from individuals who have been victims of violent life styles such as Demond Smith, a former gang member who is a paraplegic because of a gunshot injury.

He is a motivational speaker and probation officer, dedicated to turning children away from violence and stressing making good choices in life. The program has been in the school for about five months and was introduced as part of the District’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program, and Wayne State University.

Students at several schools in the District are benefiting from the efforts of the Michigan Institute for Non-Violence Education (MINE). The program utilizes school-based volunteers who focus on teaching children about nonviolent conflict resolution and other violence prevention methods.

MINE volunteers also help reduce levels of fear and potential violence in general, train students to be peer mediators for non-violence, provide additional staff training, and help expand the existing school-based parent outreach programs.

The program is currently seeking volunteers who will be trained for the 2004-2005 school year. For information about becoming a volunteer call 313-255-4754.