Multicultural education and conflict studies as elements of peace education in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of peace education in its broadest sense, focusing on multicultural education and conflict studies as part of a holistic approach to peace education. It reports on a pilot survey conducted in nine UNESCO Associated Schools in Trinidad in 1990, which sought to determine the attitude of students and parents towards peace and peace education, as well as the degree of students’ appreciation of the concept of culture and their specific interest in the area of culture. Results of the survey indicated that students need greater exposure to the comprehensive concerns of peace education and have a desire to learn more about the culture of other peoples. A proposal is made for the review of the approach to multicultural education in Trinidad and Tobago.